rite
n. · adj.-
1 religious ceremony (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Religiona formal ceremony or act that is part of a religion or a social custom.
a formal or ceremonial act or procedure prescribed by religious or social custom.
ExampleThe priest performed the traditional funeral rites for the family.
ExampleThe anthropologist spent years documenting the initiation rites of the tribe, noting how each gesture reinforced the community's social hierarchy.
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2 rite of passage (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatean important event that marks a change in someone's life, like becoming an adult.
a ceremony or event marking an important stage in someone's life, especially birth, puberty, marriage, or death.
ExampleFor many teenagers, getting a driver's license is a major rite of passage.
ExampleGraduation is often viewed as a significant rite of passage, symbolizing the transition from the sheltered environment of academia to professional life.
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3 informal spelling of right (adj.) C1 Advanced Informal Slanga casual way to spell 'right' in text messages or social media.
a non-standard, phonetic spelling of 'right' used in informal digital communication.
ExampleI'll be there in ten minutes, rite?
ExampleThe use of 'rite' in the text message indicated a high level of familiarity between the two speakers, as it deviates from standard orthography.
UsageUsed as an adjective, adverb, or interjection in place of 'right' in casual contexts.
PitfallYou must use the rite tools for the job.You must use the right tools for the job.Do not use 'rite' in formal writing or when you mean 'correct'; it is only for ceremonies or very casual texting.
Via Middle English and Old French, from Latin ritus.
Variation of right.