ritual
n. · adj.-
1 religious ceremony (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Religiona ceremony or series of actions performed in a fixed order, often as part of a religion.
a formal ceremony or series of acts that is always performed in the same way, typically within a religious or traditional framework.
ExampleThe priest performed the ancient ritual of blessing the water.
ExampleAnthropologists spent years documenting the complex burial rituals of the tribe, noting how each gesture carried deep ancestral meaning.
UsageOften used with the verbs 'perform', 'observe', or 'carry out'.
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2 personal habit (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea series of actions that you always do in the same way because they are important to you.
a sequence of activities involving gestures, words, and objects, performed in a sequestered place and performed according to a set sequence.
ExampleMy morning ritual involves drinking a cup of tea and reading the news.
ExampleFor many professional athletes, the pre-game ritual is a vital psychological tool for maintaining focus and managing performance anxiety.
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3 done as a rite (adj.) C1 Advanced Formaldone as part of a ceremony or a fixed pattern of behavior.
relating to or done as a rite; following a prescribed or established ceremonial form.
ExampleThe dancers wore ritual masks made of wood and feathers.
ExampleThe investigation revealed that the markings on the stone were likely for ritual purposes rather than practical use.
From Latin rītuālis (adjective), from rītus (“rite”) + -ālis.