holiday
UK[ˈhɒlɪdeɪ]US[ˈhɑːlədeɪ]
n
a day of festivity or recreation when no work is done
n
a period of time spent away from home for travel or relaxation; a vacation
Morpheme Breakdown
holy
day
holy
sacred, consecrated
day
a 24-hour period
Etymology
the word 'holiday' originates from the old english term 'hāligdæg', a compound of 'hālig' (holy) and 'dæg' (day). it literally meant a "holy day," a religious festival or a day set aside for religious observance on which ordinary work was suspended. over time, the term broadened in meaning, gradually secularizing to encompass any day of freedom from labor or a period of leisure, regardless of its religious origins. this evolution reflects a societal shift where days of rest became associated with general recreation and travel, not solely with religious sanctity.
Analysis
Structure: holy + day
holy (old english, meaning "sacred, consecrated") + day (old english, meaning "a 24-hour period")
Examples
the office will be closed for the public holiday on monday.
we're going to spain for our summer holiday this year.
he spent the holiday weekend visiting family.