festive

[ fes-tiv ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or suitable for a feast or festival:

   festive decorations; a festive meal.

2. joyous; merry:

   a festive mood.

festive

/ ˈfɛstɪv /

adjective

1. appropriate to or characteristic of a holiday, etc; merry

Derived Forms

• ˈfestively, adverb
• ˈfestiveness, noun

Other Words From

• festive·ly adverb
• festive·ness noun
• non·festive adjective
• non·festive·ly adverb
• non·festive·ness noun
• sub·festive adjective
• sub·festive·ly adverb
• sub·festive·ness noun
• un·festive adjective
• un·festive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of festive¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin festīvus “merry, lively, joyous,” equivalent to festus “festal” + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of festive¹

C17: from Latin festīvus joyful, from festus of a feast

Example Sentences

We think about how our cards were displayed because they were pretty and festive before, and how now, that displayability is more a metaphor for someone in their life.

From Vox

Bright and festive, with some bubbles, this cocktail is tart and tasty.

From Washington Post

Although most of us had smaller versions of the festive events that we’ve become used to, that doesn’t mean that the day was any less magical.

From Essence.com

As much as family gatherings for festive dinners and opening gifts are annual Christmas rites, so is feeding and giving gifts to the poor, with churches and charitable organizations offering care to masses of needy strangers.

From Washington Post

The snow flurries today were festive and in the holiday spirit.

From Washington Post

Many love Christmas and all the festive decorations that come with it.

From The Daily Beast

Creepy thing to wrap up in festive paper and a bow and give to a newborn baby, yeah?

From The Daily Beast

The best part of having a drink is sharing the experience with friends, especially during festive occasions.

From The Daily Beast

And the entire Bon Temps gang has gathered for a festive Thanksgiving dinner.

From The Daily Beast

When the host is in a festive mood, entering customers are given strings of Mardi Gras beads.

From The Daily Beast

John is called out at a festive gathering, and springs to his feet really intending to be clever.

From Project Gutenberg

They are ranged around a crescent-shaped table formed of cushions, and wear festive crowns upon their heads.

From Project Gutenberg

However, my thoughts will be with you, and you have my best wishes for a really festive day.

From Project Gutenberg

But two swallows don't make a summer, nor two gentlemen in evening dress a festive party.

From Project Gutenberg

Jones stood close at my elbow, with a face as festive now as it was ruthful not long before.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cheery
• chipper
• convivial
• gala
• happy
• hearty
• jovial
• joyful
• joyous
• jubilant
• lighthearted
• merry
• peppy
• upbeat