What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sacrament
Example
The priest administered the sacrament of baptism to the newborn baby. [sacrament: noun]
Example
The sacrament of marriage is a sacred union between two people. [sacrament: noun]
ritual
Example
The family had a ritual of lighting candles every night before dinner. [ritual: noun]
Example
The team had a pre-game ritual of huddling together and reciting a chant. [ritual: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ritual is more commonly used than sacrament in everyday language. Ritual is a versatile term that can be applied to a wide range of contexts, while sacrament is more specific to religious or spiritual ceremonies.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between sacrament and ritual?
Sacrament is typically associated with a more formal and solemn tone due to its religious connotations, while ritual can be used in both formal and informal contexts.