Procession: Definition, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：orderly parade (procession)

procession 🔊

/prəˈseʃən/

A line of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly way, often for a ceremony or event.

orderly parade 🔊

➕

/ˈɔːrdərli pəˈreɪd/

An organized line of people or vehicles moving forward together, typically for ceremonies, events, or demonstrations.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'processio' (a going forward), from pro- (forward) and cedere (to go).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a PROcession: PROfessionals in a line, PROceeding forward in order.

📖 Example

During the cultural festival, a long procession of people in traditional costumes walked slowly through the town square, celebrating their heritage. 🔊 At a cultural festival, a lengthy line of people in traditional attire moved slowly through the town square to honor their heritage.

🔗 Collocations

funeral procession – a line of vehicles or people following a coffin to the burial site

wedding procession – the orderly march of the bridal party during a marriage ceremony

victory procession – a parade celebrating a win, often in sports or military contexts

🔄 Synonyms

parade (n.) – a public procession, especially one celebrating a special day or event

march (n.) – a walk by a group of people, typically for protest or demonstration, in an orderly manner

cortege (n.) – a formal procession of people walking or in vehicles, especially for a funeral

🚫 Antonyms

dispersal (n.) – the act of spreading people or things over a wide area, opposite of gathering in a line

scatter (n.) – a disorganized spread of people or objects

🌱 Derivatives

processional (adj.) – relating to or used in a procession

📖 Cultural Story

Originated from Latin 'processio,' meaning a marching forward. Historically used in religious ceremonies; now common in parades, protests, and formal events.