saturnalias

Meanings

1. 1proper nounplural

   The ancient Roman festival of Saturn, held in December, marked by feasting and gift-giving.

   Grammar: Usually singular in form but plural in grammar; often used with a singular verb when referring to the festival as a whole.

   Patterns

   • the Saturnalia
   • during Saturnalia

   The Saturnalia was a time of merrymaking in ancient Rome.

   During Saturnalia, slaves were allowed to dine with their masters.

   The festival of Saturnalia influenced modern Christmas traditions.

2. 2nouncountable or uncountablefigurativeliterary

   A period of wild revelry or disorderly celebration.

   Grammar: Often used in the plural 'Saturnalias' to mean multiple such periods.

   Patterns

   • a Saturnalia of something

   The party turned into a Saturnalia of dancing and drinking.

   The city's nightlife was a nonstop Saturnalia.

Word forms

Common combinations

the Saturnalia festival

The Saturnalia festival lasted several days.

celebrate Saturnalia

The Romans celebrated Saturnalia in December.

during Saturnalia

Gifts were exchanged during Saturnalia.

Synonyms and how they differ

revelry

General noisy merrymaking; Saturnalia specifically refers to the Roman festival or a wild celebration like it.

carnival

A festive season with parades and parties; Saturnalia is more specific to ancient Rome or chaotic feasting.

Word family

Saturn proper noun

The Roman god of agriculture, after whom the festival is named.

Commonly confused: saturnalias or saturnine?

Practice

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