ceremonial occasion
1
4.9
- noun
- /ˌsɛrəˈmoʊniəl əˈkeɪʒən/
- Formal
:
ocasión ceremonial
- Despite the College's commitment to playing down the status distinctions among Fellows on all but the most formal and ceremonial occasions, a subliminal sense of hierarchy permeated its communal life.
- ceremonial occasion such as weddings
- other ceremonial occasions
Examples
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Personally, I feel this is one region where traditional and ceremonial occasions are observed with strict adherence.
Blog text (12) -
During festivals and national holidays, communities come together to celebrate with various rituals and activities on ceremonial occasions.
-
However, as this name is over nine hundred syllables long, it is used only on rare ceremonial occasions.
Fiction book (1991) -
Although fewer and fewer men wear the turban on a daily basis, it continues to be worn during important ceremonial occasions such as weddings.
Academic text (2006) -
Virility is highly prized by men and demonstrated publicly on ceremonial occasions.
Fiction book (1991) -
Ordinary couples are entitled to approbation and perhaps more than that, not only on unique ceremonial occasions like fiftieth wedding anniversaries, but always.
Academic text (1996) -
On important ceremonial occasions, it is common to see priestesses decorating their bodies with chalk solutions, vegetable mixtures, and ground charcoal.
Academic text (1991) -
But for the mothers who did not attend such schools, the alternative is to rely on experts (kitsuke no hito) to dress their daughters and themselves on the rare ceremonial occasions that require a kimono.
Academic text (1999) -
Since they had lived on the Crow Indian reservation, some of Meredith's earliest memories revolved around great celebrations and ceremonial occasions, her great-uncle in full Crow regalia.
Fiction book (1991) -
The university held a special graduation ceremony as a ceremonial occasion to honor the accomplishments of its students.
Synonyms
901
2.5
A formal event that follows traditional rules for a special occasion
267
3.7
A formal social event with food, music, and speeches
124
6.3
A formal ceremony often held as part of a religious tradition
75
3.7
A public religious ceremony with formal rituals
74
4.2
A formal social event such as a party or ceremony
15
6.0
A ceremony to honor and remember people or events
6
4.7
A formal event to mark or honor a special day
4
3.5
A formal event where people meet for a special purpose
3
2.8
An event where people meet to celebrate or spend time together
1
4.6
A formal event with set actions on a special occasion
1
4.4
A large important event with ceremony and celebration
A formal party or ceremony where many people meet
How Formal
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'ceremonial' specifies that the event involves rituals or formal behaviour and 'occasion' means an event, so the combined phrase denotes a formal or ritual event. This adjective+noun pattern is straightforward and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
The phrase ceremonial occasion comes from the idea of a public ceremonial act with fixed steps like prayers, music, or special clothes used to mark an important occasion. That's why it means a special, 'formal' event with set 'rituals'.