ritual
ritual Lexical Profile
ritual Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.
"The ancient temple was the site of a sacred ritual welcoming the spring equinox."
A series of actions or type of behavior regularly and invariably followed by someone as a habit or routine.
"Brewing a fresh pot of coffee while reading the newspaper is part of her morning ritual."
• adjective
Relating to, consisting of, or done as part of a religious or solemn ceremony.
"The dancers wore elaborate masks during the ritual celebration of the harvest."
Done in accordance with social custom or normal protocol, often without deep thought or genuine feeling.
"After the ritual exchange of pleasantries, the two executives began negotiating the contract."
• Rhymes for ritual
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin ritualis ('relating to a rite'), derived from ritus ('religious observance or custom'), which is related to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to fit together' or 'count'.