ceremony
UK: ˈsɛrɪməni | US: ˈsɛrəmoʊni
n. a formal act or series of acts performed according to tradition or ritual
n. a religious or solemn observance characterized by prescribed procedures
n. excessive adherence to formality or convention
ceremony = cere<honor, sacred> + mony<noun suffix>
- cere (from Latin caerimonia, meaning "reverence, sacred rite")
- mony (a noun-forming suffix, often indicating a state or condition)
Etymology Origin:
The word "ceremony" traces back to Latin caerimonia, which referred to religious reverence or sacred rituals. The term likely originated from Etruscan influences on Roman culture, where precise ritual observance was central to societal and spiritual life. Over time, caerimonia evolved into Old French ceremonie, later adopted into Middle English as ceremonie. The modern spelling "ceremony" emerged in the 16th century, retaining its core association with formalized rituals while expanding to include secular and conventional contexts.
The wedding ceremony was held in a historic chapel.
Graduation ceremonies often include speeches and the awarding of diplomas.
She disliked the excessive ceremony of royal events.
The treaty signing was accompanied by a traditional ceremony.
Despite the lack of formal ceremony, the event felt deeply meaningful.