holiday
HOL-i-day
/ˈhɒlɪdeɪ/
A day of festivity or recreation when no work is done; a period of time when you do not have to work or go to school.
Can refer to a public or religious observance (e.g., Christmas) or a personal period of leisure (British English equivalent of 'vacation').
The story behind the word. The word 'holiday' has a charmingly old-fashioned origin! It comes from the Old English word 'hāligdæg', which literally meant 'holy day'. These were originally days set aside for religious festivals and observances, during which people refrained from work. Over time, the meaning broadened to include any day of rest or celebration, religious or not, and eventually, even personal leisure trips.
Word relationships
- vacation: Often interchangeable, especially in British English for personal leisure time.
- festival: A specific event or celebration, often with cultural or religious significance.
- workday: A day on which work is done.
- routine: A sequence of actions regularly followed.
Commonly confused with
- festival: A 'holiday' can be a day of rest, while a 'festival' is typically a specific event or celebration.
Word family
- holidaymaker (noun): A person who is on holiday (British English).
Collocations
- public holiday
- bank holiday
- national holiday
- holiday season
- holiday destination
Idioms & expressions
- holiday spirit (a feeling of cheerfulness associated with holidays)
Example sentences
- "Many businesses close on public holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas." Discussing public observances.
- "We're going on holiday to Spain for two weeks in August." Planning a trip (British English usage).
Memory hook
HOLIDAY: 'HOpeful Laughter In DAy's Yesteryear' (recalling happy times). HOLIDAY = Holy day of rest.
When not to use
While 'holiday' can mean a personal vacation, in American English, it's more often associated with public observances. Be clear if you mean a personal trip versus a national day off.
Fun facts
- Many modern public holidays have roots in ancient religious or seasonal festivals.
- The term 'bank holiday' in the UK refers to public holidays when banks are traditionally closed.
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