What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cultus
Example
The cultus of ancient Egypt involved the worship of many gods and goddesses. [cultus: noun]
Example
The cultus of the Aztecs included human sacrifice as a way to appease their gods. [cultus: noun]
ritual
Example
The priest performed a ritual to bless the new church building. [ritual: noun]
Example
Every year, the family gathers to perform a ritual of gratitude before Thanksgiving dinner. [ritual: noun]
Example
The team has a pre-game ritual that they follow before every match. [ritual: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ritual is more commonly used than cultus in everyday language. Ritual is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while cultus is less common and tends to be used in more specialized or academic contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cultus and ritual?
Cultus is typically associated with formal and structured religious practices, making it more formal than ritual. However, ritual can also be used in formal contexts, such as in academic or religious settings.
