I. ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl, ˌse-rə- adjective
Date: 14th century
: marked by, involved in, or belonging to ceremony : stressing careful attention to form and detail
ceremonial rites
a ceremonial occasion
• 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
Synonyms:
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
II. noun
Date: 14th century
: a ceremonial act, action, or system