ceremonious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ceremonious" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means "characterized by procedure or formality". You can use it to describe formal events or situations that require a strict level of politeness or adherence to etiquette. Example sentence: The wedding had a very ceremonious atmosphere; everyone was dressed in their finest attire.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Freeman and his wife, the pastry chef Caitlin Williams Freeman, recounted a visit to Chatei Hatou, a Tokyo coffee shop where brewing coffee isn't exactly a ceremony but is ceremonious.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Lang's work, evidently intended as a wry inversion of the voluntary, a ceremonial piece with origins in church organists' improvisations, was far from ceremonious, its stuttering phrases, circling arpeggios and syncopated drumming vividly evoking both jazz and Minimalism.

The New York Times - Arts

A British doctor and science writer, he made his name in 2008 with "Bad Science", in which he filleted the credulous coverage given in the popular press to the claims of homeopaths, reiki therapists, Hopi ear-candlers and other purveyors of ceremonious placebos.

The Economist

On the other hand, the ceremonious temple ritual of the early Noh drama of Japan was performed at religious festivals only for the feudal aristocracy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pindaric ode, ceremonious poem by or in the manner of Pindar, a Greek professional lyrist of the 5th century bc.

Encyclopedia Britannica

September 5, 1319 or September 15, 1317 Balaguer, Spain January 5, 1387 Barcelona, Spain Peter IV, byname Peter the Ceremonious or He of the Dagger, Spanish Pedro el Ceremonioso or El del Puñal (born Sept. 5, 1319, or Sept. 15, 1317, Balaguer, Catalonia died Jan . 5 1387, Barcelona) king of Aragon from January 1336, son of Alfonso IV.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An upper House of Lords had been created, and the court at Whitehall was every bit as ceremonious as that of the Stuarts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before emerging on the balcony to greet the crowd he had already been outfitted in white vestments of approximately the right dimensions – they come in S, M and L – but in the coming days Vatican-based tailors and cobblers will measure him up for the baffling array of ceremonious garments with which a pontiff needs to be equipped.

Independent

Ode, ceremonious poem on an occasion of public or private dignity in which personal emotion and general meditation are united.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The United Nations produces a terrifying amount of ceremonious prose.

The New Yorker

Accusations are levelled not in the ceremonious rigor of a court but in a dingy office, with the irate plaintiffs standing up and leaning over the desk of a judge, the better to hammer home their case.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ceremonious" when you want to emphasize the importance of ritual and formality in an event or procedure.

Common error

Avoid using "ceremonial" when you need an adjective to describe something characterized by ceremony; "ceremonial" functions as an adjective, but often describes items used in ceremonies, whereas "ceremonious" describes the manner or event itself.

Linguistic Context

The word "ceremonious" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are characterized by or conducted with significant formality and attention to established customs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

12%

Academia

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ceremonious" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective that describes something characterized by formality, ritual, and strict etiquette. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using "ceremonious", ensure that the context calls for a word emphasizing adherence to established customs. Be mindful of the subtle difference between "ceremonious" and "ceremonial". Utilize "ceremonious" to effectively convey the presence of deliberate and often traditional procedures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formal

Focuses on adherence to rules and conventions without necessarily implying elaborate ritual.

ritualistic

Emphasizes the presence of rituals but might not convey the element of formality as strongly.

pompous

Suggests an exaggerated sense of self-importance displayed through ceremony.

stately

Highlights the dignified and imposing nature of a ceremony or event.

solemn

Focuses on the serious and dignified nature of the occasion.

conventional

Emphasizes adherence to accepted norms and practices.

decorous

Highlights the propriety and good taste displayed during an event.

stiff

Suggests an excessive formality that may appear unnatural.

ostentatious

Implies a showy and extravagant display of ceremony.

affected

Suggests that the ceremony is artificial or insincere.

FAQs

How can I use "ceremonious" in a sentence?

You can use "ceremonious" to describe events or actions marked by formality and ritual, such as "a ceremonious welcome" or "a ceremonious occasion".

What's the difference between "ceremonious" and "ceremonial"?

"Ceremonious" describes something characterized by ceremony, while "ceremonial" usually refers to items used in a ceremony.

What are some synonyms for "ceremonious"?

Synonyms for "ceremonious" include "formal", "ritualistic", and "pompous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ceremonious" a positive or negative word?

The connotation of "ceremonious" depends on the context. It can be positive, emphasizing respect and tradition, or negative, suggesting excessive formality or pretension.