ritual

[ˈrɪtʃuəl]

ritual Definition

  • 1a religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order
  • 2a series of actions or type of behavior regularly and invariably followed by someone

Using ritual: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ritual" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The priest performed the ritual of baptism.

  • Example

    The wedding ceremony was full of rituals and traditions.

  • Example

    He has a morning ritual of drinking coffee and reading the newspaper.

  • Example

    The team has a pre-game ritual of huddling together and chanting.

ritual Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ritual

Antonyms for ritual

Idioms Using ritual

  • go through the ritual(s)

    to perform a set of actions or behaviors in a perfunctory or superficial manner, often without genuine interest or enthusiasm

    Example

    She went through the ritual of greeting her coworkers every morning, but she didn't really enjoy socializing with them.

  • to establish a set of actions or behaviors as a regular and important part of one's routine

    Example

    He made a ritual of lighting candles and playing soft music before going to bed.

  • to disrupt or deviate from a set of established actions or behaviors

    Example

    I had to break the ritual of checking my phone first thing in the morning because it was affecting my productivity.

Phrases with ritual

  • a set of practices and customs performed in honor of the deceased

    Example

    The funeral ritual included a eulogy, prayers, and a procession to the cemetery.

  • rites of passage

    a ritual or ceremony marking an individual's transition from one stage of life to another, especially birth, puberty, marriage, and death

    Example

    The tribe's rites of passage for young men involved a test of strength and endurance.

  • a set of actions or behaviors that are performed regularly on a daily basis

    Example

    My daily ritual includes exercising, meditating, and journaling.

Origins of ritual

from Latin 'ritualis', meaning 'relating to rites'

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Summary: ritual in Brief

The term 'ritual' [ˈrɪtʃuəl] refers to a prescribed set of actions or behaviors, often associated with religious or solemn ceremonies. It can also refer to a series of actions or behaviors that are regularly followed, such as a morning routine or pre-game huddle. Examples include 'The priest performed the ritual of baptism.' and 'He has a morning ritual of drinking coffee and reading the newspaper.' Idioms like 'go through the ritual(s)' and 'make a ritual of something' convey the idea of performing actions in a perfunctory or established manner.

How do native speakers use this expression?