What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
carnival
Example
The city is hosting a carnival next week, complete with floats and street performers. [carnival: noun]
Example
We had so much fun at the carnival, trying out all the different rides. [carnival: adjective]
festival
Example
The town's annual music festival attracts musicians from all over the country. [festival: noun]
Example
We went to a food festival and tried delicious dishes from different countries. [festival: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Festival is more commonly used than carnival in everyday language. Festival is a versatile term that covers a wide range of celebrations and events, while carnival is more specific and often associated with certain holidays or cultural traditions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between carnival and festival?
Both carnival and festival can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, festival is more commonly used in formal settings due to its broader and more inclusive nature.
