Word
Definitions
01a formal event
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a formal event with special traditions, often to celebrate a wedding, a graduation, or a religious occasion.
n. a formal act or series of acts prescribed by ritual, protocol, or convention, typically marking a significant life event or transition.
“The wedding ceremony was held in a small garden with only close family present.”
“The graduation ceremony concluded with the traditional tossing of caps, symbolizing the students' transition from academic study to professional life.”
02formal behavior
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal
n. very polite and formal behavior that follows strict social rules.
n. formal, socially established behavior or etiquette, often emphasizing status or tradition.
“There was no need for ceremony between the two old friends.”
“The ambassadors greeted each other with great ceremony, strictly adhering to the diplomatic protocols established centuries ago.”
Antonyms
03grand display
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Literary
n. a grand or impressive display of wealth and power.
n. pomp or magnificent display; the outward show of importance or state.
“The king was crowned with all the ceremony and splendor of the middle ages.”
“The state funeral was conducted with somber ceremony, reflecting the nation's deep respect for the fallen leader.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “ceremony” in context.
Verb
01. attend ceremony
“Family members traveled from across the country to attend the graduation ceremony.”
verb + noun
02. ceremony marks
“The annual ceremony marks the anniversary of the end of the war.”
noun + verb
03. ceremony takes place
“The prize-giving ceremony takes place in the main auditorium at 6 PM.”
noun + verb
04. conduct ceremony
“The priest will conduct the funeral ceremony tomorrow morning.”
verb + noun
05. hold ceremony
“They plan to hold the ceremony outdoors if the weather stays clear.”
verb + noun
06. perform ceremony
“A local official was invited to perform the marriage ceremony.”
verb + noun
Adjective
07. opening ceremony
“Millions of people watched the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.”
adj + noun
08. elaborate ceremony
“The king was crowned in an elaborate ceremony that lasted for several hours.”
adj + noun
09. formal ceremony
“The award was presented during a brief formal ceremony at the town hall.”
adj + noun
Noun
10. degree ceremony
“Students must register by May if they wish to join the degree ceremony.”
noun + noun
11. master of ceremonies
“The master of ceremonies introduced each speaker with a short joke.”
noun + prep + noun
12. a sense of ceremony
“The slow music added a real sense of ceremony to the occasion.”
Etymology
From Middle English cerymonye, from Latin caerimonia or caeremonia, later often cerimonia (“sacredness, reverence, a sacred rite”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Related words
Idioms
In Music
Cover shown under fair use for identification and commentary.
Ceremony · 1981 · Post-punk
- Artist:
- New Order
New Order’s 1981 debut single features a title originally written by the members of Joy Division. The track uses the word to represent a formal, solemn event, capturing a sense of transition and ritual following the death of their original lead singer. It remains one of the most influential songs in the post-punk genre.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/ceremony
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0