Etymology dictionary. 2014.
Festive — Fes tive, a. [L. festivus, fr. festum holiday, feast. See {feast}, and cf. {Festivous}.] Pertaining to, or becoming, a feast; festal; joyous; gay; mirthful; sportive. {Fes tive*ly}, adv. [1913 Webster] The glad circle round them yield their souls … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
festive — [adj] decorated, celebratory blithe, bouncy, carnival, cheery, chipper*, chirpy, convivial, festal, gala, gay, gleeful, go go*, grooving, happy, hearty, holiday, jocund, jolly, jovial, joyful, joyous, jubilant, juiced up*, jumping, lighthearted,… … New thesaurus
festive — ► ADJECTIVE 1) relating to a festival. 2) jovially celebratory. DERIVATIVES festively adverb festiveness noun … English terms dictionary
festive — [fes′tiv] adj. [L festivus < festum: see FEAST] 1. of, for, or suited to a feast or festival 2. merry; joyous festively adv. festiveness n … English World dictionary
festive — fes|tive [ˈfestıv] adj [Date: 1600 1700; : Latin; Origin: festivus, from festum ceremony of celebration ] 1.) looking or feeling bright and cheerful in a way that seems suitable for celebrating something ▪ The atmosphere was festive and jolly. ▪… … Dictionary of contemporary English
festive — [[t]fe̱stɪv[/t]] 1) ADJ GRADED: usu ADJ n Something that is festive is special, colourful, or exciting, especially because of a holiday or celebration. The town has a festive holiday atmosphere... The Captain s Party on Saturday evening is the… … English dictionary
festive — festal, festive Both words are derived from the Latin words festum meaning ‘feast’ and festus meaning ‘joyful’, and mean ‘in the nature of a feast or festival’. Festive is much the more common, and is the one generally chosen when the meaning is… … Modern English usage
festive — fes|tive [ festıv ] adjective bright and colorful in a way that makes you think of a celebration: The decorations gave the room a festive air. a. connected with a festival or celebration, especially Christmas: Ray was full of the festive spirit.… … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
festive — adjective 1 looking or feeling bright and cheerful in a way that seems suitable for celebrating something: There was a festive atmosphere in the city. | John was obviously in a festive mood. 2 festive occasion a day when you celebrate something… … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
festive — UK [ˈfestɪv] / US adjective a) bright and colourful in a way that makes you think of a celebration The decorations gave the room a festive air. b) connected with a festival or celebration, especially Christmas Ray was full of the festive spirit.… … English dictionary
