Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Ceremony: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：formal occasion (ceremony)

ceremony 🔊

/ˈserəməni/

A formal event with set procedures, usually held to mark an important occasion.

Ceremony illustration: a formal university graduation event with students in academic dress.

formal occasion 🔊

➕

/ˈfɔːrml əˈkeɪʒn/

A planned and structured event conducted on a specific occasion, often involving traditional or formal actions.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Derived from Latin 'caerimonia' (meaning 'sanctity, reverence, sacred rite'), which is of uncertain, possibly Etruscan, origin.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a SERIES of formal steps and a big, fancy event for your MONEY. Remember 'SEReMONey' for the series of formal actions in an event.

📖 Example

The graduation ceremony was held in the main hall, and all the students wore caps and gowns. 🔊 The official event to celebrate graduation took place in the main hall, with all participants dressed in academic attire.

🔗 Collocations

opening ceremony – a formal event that marks the official beginning of a large gathering, like the Olympic Games

wedding ceremony – the formal ritual or event during which a couple gets married

award ceremony – a formal event where prizes or honors are presented

🔄 Synonyms

ritual (n.) – A ceremony or series of actions performed in a set way, especially for religious purposes.

celebration (n.) – A joyful event or activity for a special occasion like a victory or birthday.

🚫 Antonyms

informality (n.) – The state of being relaxed and without ceremony; casualness.

🌱 Derivatives

ceremonial (adj.) – Relating to or used in a ceremony; formal.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'ceremony' entered English from Old French 'ceremonie', which itself came from Latin 'caerimonia'. In Roman culture, 'caerimonia' referred to the sacred rites and reverence due to the gods. This etymological link underscores the word's deep historical association with rituals performed with strict adherence to formal, often solemn, procedure.

Meaning 2：formal etiquette (ceremony)

ceremony 🔊

/ˈserəməni/

The rules of polite behavior needed in formal situations, or too much formal politeness.

Ceremony etiquette: formal dining scene demonstrating proper manners and protocol.

formal etiquette 🔊

➕

/ˈfɔːrml ˈetɪkət/

The rules and formal behavior considered polite and proper in social or official situations.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Don't stand on ceremony at my house, just help yourself to the food. 🔊 Please do not feel obliged to follow strict formal rules of politeness here; feel free to serve yourself.

🔗 Collocations

stand on ceremony – to behave in a very formal way, insisting on strict politeness

without ceremony – in a direct, informal way, without polite formalities

🔄 Synonyms

formality (n.) – Behavior that follows established rules or customs, often perceived as polite but sometimes unnecessary.

protocol (n.) – The official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions.

🚫 Antonyms

casualness (n.) – A relaxed and unconcerned manner, lacking in formality.

🌱 Derivatives

ceremonious (adj.) – Excessively or elaborately polite; characterized by ceremony.