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.)). The word is unattested in English from 1651 to 1735 (it reappears in a poem by William Somervile, with the sense "fond of feasting, jovial"), and the modern use may be a back-formation from festivity. Meaning "mirthful, joyous" in English is attested by 1774. Related: Festively; festiveness.
When the Day crown'd with rural, chaste Delight
Resigns obsequious to the festive Night;
The festive Night awakes th' harmonious Lay,
And in sweet Verse recounts the Triumphs of the Day.
[Somervile, "The Chace"]
Earlier adjectives in English based on the Latin word were festival "pertaining to a church feast" (late 14c.); festful "joyous" (early 15c.), festial "pertaining to a church feast" (early 15c.), festli "fond of festivity" (late 14c.).
双语例句
1. The factory was due to shut for the festive period.
节日期间工厂将关门。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The government's armed forces have halved their strength for the festive break.
由于节日休假，政府武装部队人数减半。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The Captain's Party on Saturday evening is the cruise's most festive event.
周六晚上的船长晚会是游轮上最喜庆的活动。
来自柯林斯例句
4. Festive paper decorations had been hung from the ceiling.
喜庆的彩纸已经挂在天花板上。
来自柯林斯例句
5. Beneath the festive mood there is an underlying apprehension.
