Ceremony
UK /["/ˈserəməni/"]/US /["/ˈserəməʊni/"]/
Definition
a public or religious occasion that includes a series of formal or traditional actions
In simple words: A special event or occasion, often with formal actions.
Examples
- The graduation ceremony was held outdoors this year.
- They planned a beautiful wedding ceremony at the beach.
- A ceremony of remembrance was organized for the fallen soldiers.
- He was invited to the award ceremony to receive his trophy.
- The ceremony included traditional dances and performances.
Usage notes
Used in formal contexts, like weddings, graduations, or awards. Avoid using in casual conversations unless it's about a specific event.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of a 'ceremony' as a 'serial' of special moments, like a series of important events.
Collocations
- brief
- short
- quiet
- conduct
- officiate
- officiate at
- take place
- commemorate something
- honour/honor somebody/something
- at a/the ceremony
- during a/the ceremony
- in a/the ceremony
- stand on
- without ceremony
- pomp and ceremony
- with great ceremony
Synonyms
- celebration
- ritual
- observance
- event
- function
Antonyms
- disregard
- neglect
- informality
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'ceremony' with 'ceremonial' which is an adjective.
- Using 'ceremony' as a verb, which it is not.
- Mispronouncing it as 'seremony' instead of 'ceremony'.