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

Other Word Forms

• festively adverb
• festiveness noun
• nonfestive adjective
• nonfestively adverb
• nonfestiveness noun
• subfestive adjective
• subfestively adverb
• subfestiveness noun
• unfestive adjective
• unfestively 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

A family plans to provide 150 Christmas dinner hampers for people who may be struggling over the festive period.

Read more on BBC

As the nights draw in and festive lights are getting strung up, some of us might start to hope - or dream - of seeing some Christmas snowfall.

Read more on BBC

With dinner being made, and consumed, pretty much off-camera, the episode feels a bit forced and lacks the festive spirit.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For the past 22 years, the news programme has handed over the editorial reins to guest editors during the festive period.

Read more on BBC

Despite the tumult, the three-week campaigning period unfolded with a festive atmosphere and concluded Friday without any major incidents or violence.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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