ceremonious

[ ser-uh-moh-nee-uhs ]

adjective

1. carefully observant of ceremony; formally or elaborately polite:

   He greeted his rival with a ceremonious display of friendship.

   Synonyms: punctilious, conventional, ceremonial

2. pertaining to, marked by, or consisting of ceremony; formal:

   a ceremonious reception.

ceremonious

/ ˌsɛrɪˈməʊnɪəs /

adjective

1. especially or excessively polite or formal
2. observing ceremony; involving formalities

Derived Forms

• ˌcereˈmoniously, adverb
• ˌcereˈmoniousness, noun

Other Words From

• cere·moni·ous·ly adverb
• cere·moni·ous·ness noun
• anti·cere·moni·ous adjective
• anti·cere·moni·ous·ly adverb
• anti·cere·moni·ous·ness noun
• noncer·e·moni·ous adjective
• noncer·e·moni·ous·ly adverb
• noncer·e·moni·ous·ness noun
• super·cere·moni·ous adjective
• super·cere·moni·ous·ly adverb
• super·cere·moni·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceremonious¹

1545–55; ceremony + -ous; compare Middle French cerimonieux < Late Latin caerimōniōsus

Example Sentences

She lamented that the home did not have some kind of ceremonious sendoff — final tours for architecture students, a celebratory cocktail hour, donation of materials for architectural studies — before it was torn down.

From Los Angeles Times

“Plate holders stood by the fireplace, filled with dishes and plates; knives, forks and spoons were arranged for immediate use; in short, everything was ready for the entertainment of a ceremonious party.”

From Literature

Isabella then celebrated the recovery milestone with a hearty and ceremonious ringing of the bell, also posing with her radiotherapy mask.

From Los Angeles Times

The custom, which feels both ceremonious and nostalgic, can be a powerful refuge from the chaos of the outside world, business owners say.

From New York Times

But for the booksellers who have found a centuries-old sanctuary on the river banks, that day is all but ceremonious.

From Seattle Times