ceremonial
ceremonial Lexical Profile
ceremonial Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to, used for, or consisting of a formal religious or public ceremony.
"The officers wore their full ceremonial uniforms for the state parade."
Conferring or involving only nominal status or symbolic duties without real authority or political power.
"In a constitutional monarchy, the sovereign's role in government is largely ceremonial."
• noun
A system of rites, formal procedures, or established rules of etiquette prescribed for religious worship or state occasions.
"The ancient court ceremonial required foreign envoys to bow three times before approaching the throne."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'ceremonial' with 'ceremonious': 'ceremonial' refers objectively to things used in or related to a formal ritual (e.g., ceremonial robes), whereas 'ceremonious' describes a person or manner that is excessively polite or attached to formality (e.g., a ceremonious bow).
• Rhymes for ceremonial
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Late Latin 'caerimonialis' (pertaining to religious rites), derived from Latin 'caerimonia' (sacredness, awe, or religious ritual).