Festival Meaning and Definition
Festival
Pronunciation
/ˈfɛstɪvəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A social event, usually held outdoors, featuring live music, dancing, food, and drinks, often originating from a specific culture or community, designed to celebrate a particular theme, holiday, or milestone.
Examples
- The city hosted a festival celebrating its 50th anniversary.
- Every summer, the town has a music festival that attracts thousands of visitors.
Synonyms
- Party
- Celebration
Antonyms
- Withdrawal
- Isolation
Additional Information
Festivals have been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years, serving as a means of social bonding, community building, and cultural expression. Today, festivals can be found in every corner of the world, with each with its unique character and significance.
Festivals often feature a range of activities, from music and dance performances to food stalls and games. They may also include religious or spiritual elements, and can be an important part of cultural heritage and identity.
Etymology
The word “Festival” originated from the Latin word “festivus,” meaning “festive,” and is derived from the verb “festivus,” meaning “to make festive” or “to celebrate.”
Usage Notes
The word “Festival” is commonly used in English, and is often used to describe a wide range of events, from music festivals to cultural celebrations.
Cultural References
Festivals have been featured in numerous films, literature, and art, and continue to be an important part of popular culture. Examples include Woodstock, Burning Man, and Coachella.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Saving the best for last, at the last hurrah, and the whole shebang are all idiomatic expressions that use the word “Festival.”
Related Words or Phrases
Event, celebration, party, and commemoration are all related to the word “Festival.”
Collocations
Collocations include festival-goer, festival-style, and fall festival.
Frequency of Use
The word “Festival” appears frequently in modern language, with a reported frequency of 1.3 times per million words.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings include “Festivel,” “Festivally,” and “Festivall.”