Ceremonial Meaning
/ˌsɛɹɪˈməʊnɪ.əl/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjOf, relating to, consisting of, or used in a ceremony.
adjUsed only for the purpose of ceremony; symbolic.
Sentence Examples
England proper is divided into 48 ceremonial counties.
Archeologists have found a Roman ceremonial chariot near Pompeii.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The king wore a golden crown during the ____ event to mark his coronation.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The guards wore their grand ____ uniforms for the royal wedding at the palace.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English cerymonial, from Latin caerimōniālis. Morphologically ceremony + -al or -ial.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"What mockery will it be / To want the bridegroom when the priest attends / To speak the ceremonial rites of marriage!"
— c. 1590–1592 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Taming of the Shrew”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene ii]:
"His merit introduced him to ſplendid tables and elegant acquaintance, but he did not find himſelf alvvays qualified to join in the converſation. He vvas diſtreſſed by civilities, vvhich he knevv not hovv to repay, and entangled in many ceremonial perplexities, from vvhich his books and diagrams could not extricate him."
— 1751 December 13 (Gregorian calendar), Samuel Johnson, “No. 179. Monday, December 3. 1751.”, in The Rambler, volume VII, Edinburgh: […] Sands, Murray, and Cochran; sold by W. Gordon, C. Wright, J. Yair, […], published 1752, →OCLC, page 53:
"[T]his change in ceremonial observances and outward show was trifling when compared to that in the objects of worship […]"
— 1827, Henry Hallam, chapter II, in The Constitutional History of England from the Accession of Henry VII. to the Death of George II. […], volume I, London: John Murray, […], →OCLC:
"Philomena Guinea's black Cadillac eased through the tight, five o'clock traffic like a ceremonial car."
— 1963, Sylvia Plath, chapter 15, in The Bell Jar, New York, N.Y.: Bantam Books, published 1972, page 151:
"“You must swear it. By Adamcos,” said Catweazle, drawing his ceremonial knife. “Crumbs! What's that?” asked Carrot, very taken with the knife."
— 1970, Richard Carpenter, Catweazle, Harmondsworth: Puffin Books, page 28:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The king wore a golden crown during the ____ event to mark his coronation.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The guards wore their grand ____ uniforms for the royal wedding at the palace.