ceremony

ceremony — noun

1. A specially organised event that follows a set of traditional rules, held to mar

1.nounB1
Definition

A specially organised event that follows a set of traditional rules, held to mark an important social, religious, or public occasion — such as a wedding, graduation, or award-giving event.

Example

The graduation ceremony at National Taiwan University lasted nearly three hours.

collocation: graduation ceremony

Aiko's parents flew from Japan to attend the award ceremony where she received first prize.

collocation: attend + ceremony

Common collocations
  • graduation ceremony
  • wedding ceremony
  • opening ceremony
  • award ceremony
  • religious ceremony
  • closing ceremony
  • hold a ceremony
  • attend a ceremony
  • perform a ceremony
  • take part in a ceremony
Synonyms
  • ritual

    Focuses on repeated symbolic actions, often religious; a ritual can be part of a ceremony

  • rite

    More formal and solemn than ceremony; often linked to religion or tradition

  • service

    Specifically a religious ceremony, such as a wedding or funeral

Usage Note

Can be countable ('a ceremony') or uncountable ('much ceremony'). Countable uses refer to a specific event; uncountable uses describe the general concept of formal proceedings.

Common Mistakes

We went to the ceremony hall to watch the event.
We went to the ceremony to watch the event.
'ceremony' already implies its venue; adding 'hall' is redundant.

2. The quality of acting with very careful politeness and strict social rules, espe

2.nounB2
Definition

The quality of acting with very careful politeness and strict social rules, especially in situations where people expect a certain level of formality.

Example

The ambassador's assistant opened the door without any ceremony and led them straight in.

phrase: without ceremony

At the family reunion, Uncle Koji skipped the ceremony and just enjoyed the food.

Common collocations
  • stand on ceremony
  • without ceremony
  • with ceremony
  • no ceremony
  • much ceremony
  • dispense with ceremony
Synonyms
  • formality

    A rule or act of polite behaviour; more neutral than ceremony, which can imply stiffness

  • etiquette

    The accepted code of polite behaviour in a society or group; broader and more systematic than ceremony

  • protocol

    Official rules of behaviour in diplomatic or professional settings; stricter than ceremony

Antonyms
  • informality

    A relaxed, casual way of behaving that avoids set rules

Usage Note

Almost always uncountable. Commonly appears in negative or informal constructions ('without ceremony', 'no ceremony') or with the fixed expression 'stand on ceremony.'

Common Mistakes

He stood on ceremony when meeting the new neighbours.' (used where informality was expected).
He stood on ceremony and insisted on formal introductions.
'stand on ceremony' means insisting on formal behaviour, not just being polite; it often implies excessive formality.
Idioms

stand on ceremony

idiom

To insist on following strict rules of polite behaviour, sometimes in a way that feels uncomfortable or overly formal for others.

Our host told us not to stand on ceremony and to help ourselves to the snacks.

The CEO does not stand on ceremony — she greets everyone by their first name.

without ceremony

idiom

In a direct, informal, or abrupt manner, without following the usual polite procedures.

The nurse walked into the room without ceremony and began checking his temperature.

They ate their dinner without ceremony, talking and laughing while passing the plates.

Word family

  • ceremonial
    adjectiveB2
  • ceremonially
    adverbB2
  • ceremonious
    adjectiveC1
  • ceremoniously
    adverbC1
  • unceremonious
    adjectiveC1
  • unceremoniously
    adverbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

While all five words relate to structured public or social events, they differ in scope and emphasis. "Ceremony" is the broadest term for a formal event with set procedures, such as a wedding or graduation. "Ritual" highlights repeated, symbolic actions often tied to religion or culture (e.g., a tea ritual). "Rite" is a more solemn, formal act, usually religious — think of a "rite of passage" like a baptism. "Service" refers specifically to a religious ceremony such as a funeral or church service. "Formality" focuses on the procedural rules themselves rather than the overall event. For example: "The wedding ceremony was held outdoors" (the event); "The couple included a tea ritual" (a symbolic part); "The funeral service was at the church" (a religious ceremony).

ceremony ↗ritual ↗riteservice ↗formality

Common collocations

Nouns

  • ceremony hall
  • ceremony site
  • ceremony room

Adverbs

Phrases

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'ceremony' comes from the Latin 'caerimonia', which meant 'sacredness, reverence, or religious rite'. It passed into Old French as 'ceremonie' before entering English around the 14th century. The sense of formal public events developed from its original religious meaning, while the abstract sense of 'polite behaviour' emerged later in the 16th century.