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ceremonious

ceremonious

2 7.1
Showing very formal and polite behavior that follows traditional rules
  • adjective
  • /ˌsɛrəˈmoʊniəs/
  • Formal
translation icon : ceremonioso
  • At the wedding, every detail was ceremonious, from the flower arrangements to the grand entrance of the couple.
  • ceremonious occasion
  • too ceremonious
  • so ceremonious

wherever they're going or if they're capable of being open casket. And, and it's a very ceremonious,

Examples

  • The award ceremony was filled with ceremonious speeches and formal attire, highlighting the significance of the occasion.

  • After dinner, we walked to the library and I prepared myself to be public, ceremonious, and posh.

    Academic text (2009)
  • It felt ceremonious, as though I were getting her ready to be married, or to take communion or something.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • They danced in ceremonious greeting.

    Blog text (16)
  • Ceremonious and correct, Ascolino embroidered his speech with the brocades of old Portugal, which he admired so much.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • It is sacred and ceremonious, a major step in a Catholic child's life, much like the Bas or Bar Mitzvah for Jewish children.

    Blog text (6)
  • The diplomat's ceremonious demeanor during the meeting underscored the importance of their discussions.

Synonyms

formal
vsceremonious
  • Formal
394 3.0

Official and proper in a way suitable for important occasions

emphasizes ritual and excessive adherence to etiquette
decorous
vsceremonious
  • Formal
3 7.9

Polite and showing good manners in formal situations

leans more toward public ritual and strict etiquette than simple politeness

Antonyms

194 2.8

Informal and relaxed, not serious

Simple and honest in style and not trying to impress people

How Formal

pompous
57 5.8
ceremonious
  • Formal
2 7.1
formal
  • Formal
394 3.0
informal
98 3.1
casual
194 2.8

Surface Forms

ceremonious positive
ceremoniouser comparative
ceremoniousest superlative

Morphology

ceremonious = ceremony (transparent) = ceremony + ous

The adjective is directly formed from 'ceremony' by the productive suffix '-ous' meaning 'characterized by', so the meaning is clear to learners who know 'ceremony'.

Etymology

The word ceremonious comes from ceremony, a word for a 'formal' public or religious act, like the planned steps people follow at a wedding. So, to be ceremonious is to act very formally and to follow special rules and gestures.