Etymology Map
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Festival

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means an organized celebration

Where does the word "festival" come from? It comes from Latin festivus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
festivus
Latin · ancient
"festive"
from 'festum', feast
2
Stage 2 of 3
festival
Old French · medieval
"festive"
an adjective first
3
Stage 3 of 3
festival
English · 1300s
"festive"
the noun 'festival' dates from the 1500s
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Read the full story

Festival’s story begins in Latin: festivus meant “festive.” From 'festum', feast. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as festival. An adjective first. It reached English by 1300s as festival. The noun 'festival' dates from the 1500s. Today, festival means an organized celebration.