carnival

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a festival marked by merrymaking and processions
  2. noun a frenetic disorganized (and often comic) disturbance suggestive of a large public entertainment
  3. noun a traveling show; having sideshows and rides and games of skill etc.

Etymology

From Middle French carnaval, from Italian carnevale, possibly from the Latin phrase carnem levāmen (“meat dismissal”). Other scholars suggest Latin carnuālia (“meat-based country feast”) or carrus nāvālis (“boat wagon; float”) instead. Doublet of carnaval.

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