ceremonious

American  

[ser-uh-moh-nee-uhs] / ˌsɛr əˈmoʊ ni əs /

adjective

1. carefully observant of ceremony; formally or elaborately polite.

   He greeted his rival with a ceremonious display of friendship.

   Synonyms:

   punctilious, conventional, ceremonial

2. pertaining to, marked by, or consisting of ceremony; formal.

   a ceremonious reception.

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ceremonious British  

/ ˌsɛrɪˈməʊnɪəs /

adjective

1. especially or excessively polite or formal

2. observing ceremony; involving formalities

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Other Word Forms

• anticeremonious adjective
• anticeremoniously adverb
• anticeremoniousness noun
• ceremoniously adverb
• ceremoniousness noun
• nonceremonious adjective
• nonceremoniously adverb
• nonceremoniousness noun
• superceremonious adjective
• superceremoniously adverb
• superceremoniousness noun

Etymology

Origin of ceremonious

1545–55; ceremony + -ous; compare Middle French cerimonieux < Late Latin caerimōniōsus

Explanation

When people are involved in a ceremony, they often behave in a solemn way, exhibiting the respect they feel for the ritual. Their behavior can be described as ceremonious. Don't confuse ceremonious with ceremonial. Ceremonial means "by ceremony." If, after signing a peace agreement, two presidents exchange a ceremonial handshake in front of reporters, that's different from the ceremonious manner they maintain while doing so.

Example Sentences

She lamented that the home did not have some kind of ceremonious sendoff — final tours for architecture students, a celebratory cocktail hour, donation of materials for architectural studies — before it was torn down.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2024

The mood inside the court - quiet and ceremonious - was a contrast to the atmosphere outside as dozens of activists rallied in support of cancellation.

From Washington Times • Mar. 1, 2023

Thirty-five years later the world's five-billionth baby is trying to forget his ceremonious entry into the world.

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2022

There was something so ceremonious and tender about the way Soto, dancing for the first time in New York since 2015, walked onto the stage.

From New York Times • Mar. 17, 2022

“Plate holders stood by the fireplace, filled with dishes and plates; knives, forks and spoons were arranged for immediate use; in short, everything was ready for the entertainment of a ceremonious party.”

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis