What is ceremonious? Pronunciation and usage in English

ceremonious means . Learn how to pronounce and use ceremonious through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of ceremonious

ceremoniousadjective

/ˌserəˈməʊniəs//ˌserəˈməʊniəs/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "ceremonious." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown with phonetic approximations and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Closest to how a native speaker would say it):

/ˌsɛr.əˈmoʊ.ni.əs/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • cer- (ˌsɛr): Sounds like "sir" – short and crisp.
  • e- (ə): This is a schwa sound – a very relaxed, unstressed vowel sound. It's like the "a" in "about." Think of it as a short, barely-there "uh."
  • mo- (əˈmoʊ): This sounds like “moe” (as in, a name) but with a slight emphasis. Again, a schwa.
  • ni- (ˈnoʊ): Sounds like “no” – stressed (the "ˈ" symbol indicates stress).
  • ous (əs): This is where it gets a little tricky. It's pronounced like "us" but with a slightly drawn-out “oo” sound.

2. Putting it Together (Word-by-word):

  • cer-e-mo-ni-ous (sir-uh-moe-nee-us)

3. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the third syllable – "mo-". This is indicated by the “ˈ” in the phonetic transcription.
  • Schwa Sounds: Pay close attention to those "uh" sounds (the schwas). They're very common in English and often subtle.
  • "Us" sound at the end: Don't try to make it sound like "oose." It's more like a short, light "us."

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are a few resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Focus on a specific part of the word (like the "ous" ending)?

Usage and examples with the word ceremonious in English

Let's break down how to use the word "ceremonious." It's a slightly more formal word than simply "formal," and it's about the way something is done, not just the situation itself.

1. Meaning:

"Ceremonious" describes something that is characterized by elaborate rituals, formality, and adherence to established customs or traditions. It implies a sense of respect, reverence, or solemnity.

2. How to Use It – Examples:

  • Describing an event: “The wedding ceremony was incredibly ceremonious, with ancient vows and a procession of flower girls.” (Here, it highlights the detailed and traditional nature of the ceremony.)

  • Describing a person's behavior: "He was a ceremonious gentleman, always saying 'please' and 'thank you' and meticulously arranging his silverware." (This suggests he's overly polite and follows rigid social rules.)

  • Describing a process: "The company's hiring process is ceremonious, requiring multiple interviews, background checks, and a formal presentation." (It indicates a long and carefully structured procedure.)

  • Describing an object or setting: "The antique shop was filled with ceremonious objects: ornate vases, velvet cushions, and a heavy, carved clock." (This suggests the objects are old, important, and treated with respect.)

3. Key Nuances & What it Doesn't Mean:

  • Not just “formal”: “Formal” simply means adhering to rules and etiquette. "Ceremonious" goes further, implying a deliberate and heightened sense of ritual.
  • Not always positive: While "ceremonious" can suggest dignity and respect, it can also imply stiffness, pomposity, or being overly cautious and slow to act. It depends on the context.

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Formal
  • Ritualistic
  • Solemn
  • Reverent
  • Elaborate
  • Stilted
  • Rigid

5. Example Sentences Showing Different Connotations:

  • Positive: “The graduation ceremony was highly ceremonious, reflecting the school’s tradition of honoring graduates.” (This feels respectable and celebratory)

  • Negative: “His ceremonious approach to everyday tasks – carefully measuring every ingredient, meticulously folding his laundry – made him seem fussy and overly concerned with details.” (This could suggest he's difficult and a bit annoying.)

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write about? (e.g., a wedding, a business meeting, a character's personality)
  • What is the specific context you're thinking of using the word in?

Synonyms for the word ceremonious

Practice with vocabulary ceremonious

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The ambassador's arrival was marked by a highly _______________ reception, complete with a red carpet and a military honor guard.
  2. During the annual awards banquet, the host maintained a _______________ demeanor, ensuring all speeches adhered strictly to the schedule and established protocol.
  3. She approached the delicate scientific experiment with extreme _______________, double-checking every measurement and procedure.
  4. Despite the tense negotiations, the delegates maintained a _______________ silence throughout the opening statements, showing mutual respect.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes a situation where actions are performed with strict adherence to established rituals or protocol, often with a sense of formality and grandeur? a) casual b) spontaneous c) impromptu d) ceremonious e) informal

  2. The board meeting was conducted in a very _______________ manner, reflecting the gravity of the decisions to be made. a) frivolous b) solemn c) trivial d) lighthearted e) serious

  3. To ensure the proper execution of the trade agreement, the signing event was exceptionally _______________, involving numerous formal gestures and strict adherence to diplomatic etiquette. (Select all that apply.) a) haphazard b) ceremonious c) informal d) formal e) ritualistic

  4. His farewell speech was noted for its _______________ tone, conveying deep respect and heartfelt gratitude to his colleagues. a) flippant b) irreverent c) respectful d) condescending e) courteous

  5. The ancient induction ceremony was profoundly _______________, with every gesture and word carrying historical significance and gravity. a) commonplace b) ordinary c) ceremonious d) perfunctory e) routine

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The opening of the new research facility followed a very strict and traditional set of procedures. Rewrite using "ceremonious":

  2. Original: Every step of the award presentation was performed with great formality and a sense of ritual. Rewrite using "ceremonious" or related word forms:

  3. Original: The CEO's announcement of the merger was made with a serious and dignified air, reflecting the importance of the news. Rewrite without "ceremonious" but using a suitable replacement:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. ceremonious
  2. ceremonious
  3. meticulousness
  4. dignified

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. d) ceremonious
  2. b) solemn, e) serious
  3. b) ceremonious, d) formal, e) ritualistic
  4. c) respectful, e) courteous
  5. c) ceremonious

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The opening of the new research facility was a very ceremonious event, following strict and traditional procedures.
  2. The award presentation was a highly ceremonious affair, with every step performed with great formality and a sense of ritual.
  3. The CEO's announcement of the merger was made with a solemn and dignified air, reflecting the importance of the news.

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