festive

[fes-tiv] /ˈfɛs tɪv/

adjective

pertaining to or suitable for a feast or festival:

festive decorations; a festive meal.

joyous; merry:

a festive mood.

Origin

1645-55; < Latin fēstīvus merry, equivalent to fēst(us) festal + -īvus -ive

Related forms

festively, adverb

festiveness, noun

nonfestive, adjective

nonfestively, adverb

nonfestiveness, noun

subfestive, adjective

subfestively, adverb

subfestiveness, noun

unfestive, adjective

unfestively, adverb

Examples from the web for festive

But the soda bread served in her native village and elsewhere bore little resemblance to our family's festive specialty.
Celebrate the season with a festive alfresco buffet.
Wreath cookies are bright and festive, whether bejeweled or simply frosted.
White bags and vellum stars make festive outdoor lanterns.
The spicy fragrance wafting through the air can get anyone in a festive spirit.
The mood on the street became almost festive, as people talked excitedly in large groups.
Every year, scores of artists try to pen the next festive favorite.
Activities have been organized to create a festive environment.
It is baked in urban homes as a treat for guests and family on special festive days.
The mood in the room is congenial, almost festive with learning.

British Dictionary definitions for festive

festive

/ˈfɛstɪv/

adjective

appropriate to or characteristic of a holiday, etc; merry

Derived Forms

festively, adverb
festiveness, noun

Word Origin

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

Word Origin and History for festive

adj.

1650s, "pertaining to a feast," from Latin festivus "festive, joyous, gay," from festum "festival, holiday," noun use of neuter of adjective festus (see feast (n.)).

Meaning "mirthful" is attested by 1774. Unattested from 1651 to 1735; modern use may be a back-formation from festivity. Related: Festively; festiveness.