ceremonial

[ ser-uh-moh-nee-uhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by ceremony; formal; ritual:

   a ceremonial occasion.

   Synonyms: ceremonious, conventional, solemn

   Antonyms: informal

2. used in or in connection with ceremonies:

   ceremonial robes.

noun

1. a system of ceremonies, rites, or formalities prescribed for or observed on any particular occasion; a rite.

   Synonyms: liturgy, ritual

2. Roman Catholic Church.
   1. the order for rites and ceremonies.
   2. a book containing it.
3. formal behavior found at, or appropriate to, a certain occasion:

   the ceremonial of a state banquet.

ceremonial

/ ˌsɛrɪˈməʊnɪəl /

adjective

1. involving or relating to ceremony or ritual

noun

1. the observance of formality, esp in etiquette
2. a plan for formal observances on a particular occasion; ritual
3. Christianity
   1. the prescribed order of rites and ceremonies
   2. a book containing this

Derived Forms

• ˌcereˈmonialism, noun
• ˌcereˈmonially, adverb
• ˌcereˈmonialist, noun

Other Words From

• cere·moni·al·ism noun
• cere·moni·al·ist noun
• cere·moni·al·ly adverb
• anti·cere·moni·al adjective
• anti·cere·moni·al·ly adverb
• anti·cere·moni·al·ism noun
• anti·cere·moni·al·ist noun adjective
• noncer·e·moni·al adjective
• noncer·e·moni·al·ly adverb
• precer·e·moni·al adjective
• uncer·e·moni·al adjective
• uncer·e·moni·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceremonial¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin cēremōniālis, Late Latin caerimōniālis. See ceremony, -al ¹

Related Words

• liturgical
• solemn
• stately