Dictionary
1ceremonial
adjective cer·e·mo·ni·al \ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl, ˌse-rə-\
: used in or done as part of a ceremony
: including a ceremony : marked by a ceremony
: without real power or influence
Full Definition of CEREMONIAL
1
: marked by, involved in, or belonging to ceremony : stressing careful attention to form and detail <ceremonial rites>
2
: having no real power or influence <his new position is largely ceremonial>
— cer·e·mo·ni·al·ism \-ə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
— cer·e·mo·ni·al·ist \-ə-list\ noun
— cer·e·mo·ni·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb
See ceremonial defined for English-language learners
See ceremonial defined for kids
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First Known Use of CEREMONIAL
14th century
Related to CEREMONIAL
- Synonyms
- formal, ceremonious, conventional, orthodox, regular, routine
- Antonyms
- casual, freewheeling, informal, irregular, unceremonious, unconventional, unorthodox
Synonym Discussion of CEREMONIAL
ceremonial, ceremonious, formal, conventional mean marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms. ceremonial and ceremonious both imply strict attention to what is prescribed by custom or by ritual, but ceremonial applies to things that are associated with ceremonies <a ceremonial offering>, ceremonious to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony <made his ceremonious entrance>. formal applies both to things prescribed by and to persons obedient to custom and may suggest stiff, restrained, or old-fashioned behavior <a formal report> <the headmaster's formal manner>. conventional implies accord with general custom and usage <conventional courtesy> and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence <conventional fiction>.
Rhymes with CEREMONIAL
2ceremonial
noun
: a special ceremony
Full Definition of CEREMONIAL
: a ceremonial act, action, or system
See ceremonial defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CEREMONIAL
14th century
CEREMONIAL Defined for Kids
1ceremonial
adjective cer·e·mo·ni·al \ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl\
Definition of CEREMONIAL for Kids
: of, used in, or being a ceremony <ceremonial drums> <a ceremonial dinner>
— cer·e·mo·ni·al·ly adverb
2ceremonial
noun
Definition of CEREMONIAL for Kids
: a special ceremony
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