Party Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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party
[หpษหrti ]
Definitions
social gathering
A party is a social gathering of invited guests, typically involving eating, drinking, and entertainment. Parties can be held for various occasions such as birthdays, weddings, holidays, or just for fun.
Synonyms
celebration, event, get-together.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| party |
This term is used for social gatherings that are typically festive and involve entertainment, such as dancing, music, and often food and drinks. It conveys a sense of joy and excitement.
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| celebration |
This word highlights the reason for the gathering, which is to mark a significant occasion or achievement. It can be formal or informal.
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| event |
This term is more general and can refer to any planned gathering, which can be formal or informal, large or small, and for various purposes. Not necessarily festive or joyful.
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| get-together |
Use this term for informal gatherings, typically small and casual, among friends, family, or close colleagues.
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Examples of usage
- We're having a party to celebrate my birthday.
- The office Christmas party is always a lot of fun.
political group
A party can also refer to a political group or organization. Political parties are formed to promote certain ideologies, policies, and candidates in elections.
Synonyms
political faction, political organization.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| party |
A group of people who share common goals and work together in politics, typically an organized political group.
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| political faction |
A smaller, organized, dissenting group within a larger political party or organization. It often carries a negative connotation as it implies division within the group.
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| political organization |
A broad term for any group that is formally organized to influence or participate in politics, including parties, advocacy groups, or movements.
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Examples of usage
- She is a member of the Democratic Party.
- The Republican Party won the election.
enjoy oneself
To party as a verb means to enjoy oneself in a lively and noisy way, especially with dancing and drinking. It is often associated with celebrations and social events.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| party |
When talking about a social gathering where people meet to enjoy themselves, often involving music, food, and drink.
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| celebrate |
When referring to marking a special occasion or achievement with enjoyable activities.
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| have fun |
A general term used to describe enjoying oneself, often in a casual, day-to-day context.
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| revel |
When referring to enjoying oneself in a lively and noisy way, often involving large amounts of drinking, can have a slightly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- Let's party all night long!
- They were partying until the early hours of the morning.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word 'party' comes from the Old French word 'partie,' meaning 'a part' or 'a division,' referring to a group of people.
- Celebrations similar to modern parties have been traced back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome, where feasts were held to honor gods or mark important events.
- In the 19th century, the concept of a social gathering grew more structured with formal invitations and themed decor becoming popular.
Culture
- Different cultures have unique party traditions, like the Quinceaรฑera in Latin America, which celebrates a girl's 15th birthday.
- In many Asian cultures, Lunar New Year celebrations are massive parties with family reunions, lots of food, and fun traditions.
- Raves, originally underground dance parties, have evolved to become a major part of electronic music culture, attracting thousands globally.
Psychology
- Social gatherings can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting feelings of happiness and belonging among participants.
- Parties provide an opportunity for social bonding, allowing people to strengthen existing relationships and make new acquaintances.
- The atmosphere at parties often encourages individuals to step outside their comfort zone, fostering personal growth and new experiences.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'The Hangover' and 'Superbad' capture the wild and often hilarious experiences of young adults at parties.
- Annual events like Mardi Gras in New Orleans are famous for their huge parties featuring parades, music, and colorful costumes.
- The phrase 'party like it's 1999' became popular from a Prince song, symbolizing a carefree, fun-loving spirit.
Literature
- In F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby,' extravagant parties symbolize the excess and superficiality of the Jazz Age.
- Many fairy tales, like Cinderella, feature a ball or party, highlighting themes of transformation and unexpected joy.
- Charles Dickens often portrayed social gatherings in his works, using them to comment on class differences and societal norms.
Origin of 'party'
The word 'party' originated from the Middle English 'parti' which meant a part or portion of a whole. Over time, it evolved to refer to a social gathering or political group. The modern usage of 'party' to describe a celebration or event became popular in the 18th century. Today, parties are a common way for people to come together for enjoyment and socializing.
See also: apart, counterpart, impart, multipart, part, partable, partial, partially, participate, particle, particular, parting, partisan, partition, partitive, partly, partner, partook, parts, partway.