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rave

/reɪv/
nounverb★Intermediate— lively party with loud music
informal

a lively party featuring loud music and dancing, often all night

The club hosted a rave every Saturday with top DJs.

The nightclub organized a high-energy dance party every weekend.

She wore neon clothes to the rave.

She dressed in bright, glowing outfits for the dance event.

💡

Originally from the 1960s counterculture, now associated with electronic dance music (EDM) culture.

informalliterary

to talk wildly or incoherently, especially in delirium

He raved about the concert for weeks afterward.

He spoke enthusiastically and excitedly about the concert.

The feverish patient raved in their sleep.

The sick person talked nonsensically while unconscious.

💡

Less common today; often used in older literature or dramatic contexts.

Collocations

rave partya large, energetic dance eventrave scenethe culture and community surrounding ravesrave musicelectronic dance music played at ravesrave culturethe social practices and values of rave communities

Synonyms

dance partyrave-upall-nighterbash

Antonyms

quiet gatheringserene event

💡Pro Tip

Avoid confusion with 'rave' as a verb

The verb 'to rave' means to speak enthusiastically or incoherently. Context usually makes the meaning clear: 'She raved about the movie' (verb) vs. 'They attended a rave' (noun).

⚡Gold Rule

Rave vs. Club

A 'rave' typically refers to an underground or alternative dance event, often in unconventional locations (warehouses, fields). A 'club' is a permanent venue with regular hours.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'raven' (to talk wildly), from Old English 'rafian' (to rage). The modern sense of a dance party emerged in the 1960s U.S. counterculture from 'rave up' (to become excited).

📝Usage Notes

In modern usage, 'rave' almost always refers to dance parties with electronic music. The verb form (to rave) is rare but may appear in literary or historical contexts.

English Dictionary

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