ceremonial
adjective C1
Plain meaning
relating to a formal public or religious ceremony
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam contexts, it means relating to a formal public or religious ceremony, usually in a more formal register.
In context
naturalHis response sounded ceremonial, so the conversation became difficult.
examThe passage presents a ceremonial assessment of the policy’s wider consequences.
Common collocations
a ceremonial responseceremonial behavioura ceremonial situation
Watch out
Do not use “very ceremonial” automatically; some advanced adjectives already carry a strong meaning or need a more natural intensifier.
Word family
ceremonialness (noun, where natural)ceremonially (adverb, where natural)