ceremonial

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˌsɛrəˈmoʊniːəl/

📖 Definitions

  1. adjective
    Relating to or used for formal religious or public occasions; involving ceremony or ritual.; Having only a formal or symbolic role without real power or authority.
  2. noun
    A system of ceremonies or rituals; the formal observances prescribed for a particular occasion.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable Plural: ceremonials

Collocations

ceremonial dressceremonial dutiesceremonial occasionceremonial robeceremonial swordceremonial guard

Derivatives

ceremoniallyceremonyceremoniousceremoniouslyceremoniousness

Synonyms

ritualformalritualisticsolemnofficial

Antonyms

informalcasual

Commonly confused

ceremonious
EN: 'Ceremonial' means relating to a ceremony (neutral); 'ceremonious' means overly formal or fond of ceremony, often with a negative connotation.
ceremony
EN: 'Ceremony' is the event or rite itself; 'ceremonial' is the adjective describing something related to ceremonies, or a noun meaning a set of rituals.

Spelling tips

EN: Do not confuse 'ceremonial' (relating to ceremony) with 'ceremonious' (excessively formal). Both are correct words but have distinct meanings.

💬 Examples

  1. The chief wore a ceremonial headdress during the tribal gathering.

  2. The position of governor-general is largely ceremonial in many Commonwealth countries.

  3. The coronation followed an elaborate ceremonial that had been practiced for centuries.