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Meaning & use

festivities

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/fesˈtɪv.ə.tiz/
US/fesˈtɪv.ə.t̬iz/

“festivities” is a form of “festivity”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nounplural

    the events and activities that form a celebration, such as parties, parades, and ceremonies.

    Grammar: Used as a plural noun with a plural verb: the festivities begin at noon.

    Patterns

    • the festivities begin/end
    • join in the festivities
    • the festivities take place in/at a place

    The festivities begin with a parade through the old town.

    Thousands of people joined the festivities in the main square.

    Rain did not stop the festivities, which moved indoors.

  2. noununcountableformal

    a happy, lively atmosphere of celebration.

    Grammar: The singular festivity is uncountable and slightly formal when it means this mood.

    Patterns

    • a spirit of festivity
    • an air of festivity

    Lanterns and music gave the street an air of festivity.

    There was a real spirit of festivity in the hall that evening.

Word forms

singularfestivity

Common combinations

the festivities begin
The festivities begin at sunset with fireworks.
join in the festivities
Neighbors came out to join in the festivities.
the festivities take place
The festivities take place in the park every June.
a week of festivities
The town planned a week of festivities for its anniversary.
cancel the festivities
Organizers canceled the festivities because of the storm.

Synonyms and how they differ

celebrations
Very close in meaning, but celebrations can also refer to private parties, while festivities suggests organized public events.
ceremonies
Fits when the events are formal and traditional rather than simply enjoyable.
revelry
More literary and suggests noisy, wild enjoyment rather than a planned program of events.

Word family

festive adjective
cheerful and related to a celebration.
festively adverb
in a cheerful, celebratory way.
festival noun
an organized series of events, often held every year.

Commonly confused: festivities or festival?

festivities vs festival

A festival is the whole organized event, often yearly; festivities are the individual activities within a celebration.

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