What does saturnalian mean?
Saturnalian is a formal, literary adjective with two closely related uses. It can describe anything connected with the Roman festival of Saturn, better known as the Saturnalia, or, more commonly in figurative use, characterize conduct, celebrations, or scenes marked by wild and unrestrained revelry. The latter sense often carries a note of excess, disorder, or moral unease, so the word is generally less neutral than festive and more literary than boisterous. A saturnalian celebration may evoke an orgy, a carnival, or a feast in which ordinary social limits are suspended. Because the term derives from the Roman god Saturn and the festival associated with him, it gives vivid historical and cultural resonance to descriptions of uninhibited revelry. It is most useful in literary, historical, or deliberately elevated prose rather than in casual conversation, where a straightforward word such as riotous or exuberant is usually clearer.
adjectiveRelating to the Roman festival of Saturn, or characteristic of wild, unrestrained revelry.
- Characterized by wild, uninhibited, or unrestrained revelry.
- Relating to the ancient Roman festival of Saturn, also called the Saturnalia.
"The novel turns the final night into a saturnalian romp, with dancing in the streets and every social convention abandoned."
"The novel turns the final night into a saturnalian romp, with dancing in the streets and every social convention abandoned."
"Historians describe the Saturnalian celebrations as a rare period when even enslaved people could mock their masters without penalty."
At Rome’s Saturnalia, slaves traditionally feasted with their masters—an early reversal of hierarchy that helped make the festival a byword for revelry.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does saturnalian come from?
Saturnalian comes from the Latin saturnalis, meaning “pertaining to Saturn,” an adjective formed from the god’s name. It entered English in the early 17th century for both the Roman festival and, figuratively, wild or dissolute revelry. Its Latin relatives include Saturn, Saturnia, and saturnine.
How saturnalian is actually used
This is a formal, literary, and relatively uncommon word. Its figurative sense often suggests excess, disorder, or the suspension of social conventions, making it more critical in tone than festive or exuberant.
Easily confused with saturnalian
Saturnian means relating to the planet Saturn or to the Roman god, whereas saturnalian refers to the festival of Saturn or to wild, unrestrained revelry.