festal
UK[ˈfɛstl]US[ˈfɛstl]
adj
of or like a festival; festive
Morpheme Breakdown
fest
al
fest
feast
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'festal' has its roots in the latin noun 'festum', which denoted a feast day or public celebration. this latin term is itself derived from the plural 'festa', related to 'feriae' (holidays) and the adjective 'festus' (joyful, solemn). the suffix '-al', from latin '-alis', was attached to form an adjective meaning 'pertaining to a feast'. thus, the literal combination 'pertaining to a feast' evolved into the modern abstract sense of being festive, joyous, or characteristic of a celebration.
Analysis
Structure: fest (feast) + al (adjective suffix)
fest originates from latin 'festum', meaning feast or holiday. al is an adjective-forming suffix from latin '-alis', indicating pertaining to or characterized by.
Examples
the town square was decorated with festal banners for the summer solstice.
there was a general air of festal merriment throughout the village.
the dinner was a more festal occasion than their usual family meals.