festlich
festively · festive
Etwas wirkt fröhlich und feierlich, oft passend für besondere Anlässe oder Feiern.
Definition & meaning
The adjective festlich is used to describe something that is related to a festival, celebration, or a solemn occasion. It characterizes an atmosphere, an outfit, or an event that feels special, grand, or appropriate for a holiday.
- Celebratory/Festive: Pertaining to a celebration or party (e.g., a festive mood, a festive meal).
- Formal/Solemn: Describing something that possesses a dignified or grand quality suitable for an important event (e.g., a festive occasion, a formal reception).
Grammar & Word origin
festlich is an adjective. In German, it can be used predicatively (e.g., Die Stimmung ist festlich) or attributively, in which case it requires declension endings (e.g., ein festliches Kleid).
The word is derived from the noun Fest, which means "celebration" or "party," combined with the suffix -lich, which serves to form adjectives indicating a similarity or a quality related to the base noun.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- feierlich (solemn, ceremonial)
- fest (in the sense of celebratory)
- prachtvoll (splendid, magnificent)
- gala (in compound words or as an adjective denoting gala-like qualities)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Das Restaurant ist festlich dekoriert.adjective
The restaurant is decorated festively.
Die Gäste trugen festliche Kleidung zu der Feier.adjective
The guests wore festive clothing to the celebration.
Warum war die Stimmung gestern so festlich?adjective
Why was the atmosphere so festive yesterday?
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