These two adjectives could be easy to confuse!
Ceremonial describes objects, actions, or words that are used in a ceremony. A ceremony is a ritual—a formal event consisting of a specific series of actions, often to honor a person or event:
In the ritual of the Passover dinner, a special ceremonial cup of wine is put on the table for the ghost of the prophet Elijah.
Ceremonious, in contrast, describes a style of behavior, that belongs in a ceremony—formal and observant of etiquette:
Please don’t be ceremonious when you enter my house; you are like family!
Please wear formal clothing; this is a ceremonious event.
See the two sections below to see more examples of how to use these words in a sentence:
How to Use "Ceremonious" in a Sentence
Here are more examples of how to use the word ceremonious in a sentence:
- Julie was ceremonious in her demeanor at work, which often resulted in her not being invited to lunch and happy hour.
- Ceremonious occasions such as weddings, funerals, and graduations are really quite expensive, don’t you think?
- We had a ceremonious wedding, and the reception was at the Town Square Ballroom.
- Aubrey’s birthday party was marked with much pomp and circumstance, a hallmark of a ceremonious affair.
- The party was a little too ceremonious for my taste, but it was my uncle's birthday, so I had to go.
- Cynthia always seemed to carry herself with such dignity and poise, as if every moment were a ceremonious one.
- Ceremonious is a word that is often used in a negative context, but Mike somehow gets away with it.
How to Use "Ceremonial" in a Sentence
Here are more examples of how to use ceremonial in a sentence:
- Ceremonial events are an important part of many cultures. They can be religious or secular in nature, and can serve a variety of purposes.
- We had a special ceremony to celebrate the occasion.
- I attended the ceremony in honor of my parents' anniversary.
- Some ceremonies mark a passage from one stage of life to another, while others are meant to bring good luck or ward off evil.
- There was not a ceremonial walk down the aisle before the wedding, which came as a surprise to the wedding guests.
- Whatever the purpose, ceremonial events play an important role in societies around the world.
- The ceremony took place at an outdoor amphitheater.
- The ceremony was performed by a priest from a neighboring parish.