Definition

Relating to a festival of unrestrained joy and celebration, often characterized by excessive merriment and revelry.

Example

The party took on a saturnalian atmosphere, with everyone dancing and celebrating without a care in the world.

Conversation

Did you hear about the party they threw last weekend?

Yeah, I heard it was quite the saturnalian celebration!

I can only imagine how wild it got with everyone letting loose.

For sure! It sounded like a night to remember.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Saturnalian is derived from "Saturnus" (the Roman god of agriculture and time) and the suffix "-ian" (meaning relating to or characterized by). The term refers to the festival of Saturnalia, which was characterized by revelry and merrymaking, thus describing something that is festive or indulgent in nature.

Memory Tip

Think of the Roman god Saturn, who represents a time of celebration and revelry, to remember that 'saturnalian' describes a festive and indulgent atmosphere.

Visually Confused Words