What does ceremonially mean?
Ceremonially is a formal adverb meaning 'in a ceremonial manner' — that is, in a way connected with a formal ceremony, rite, or ritual. It is most often used to describe official actions carried out for their symbolic value rather than their practical one: a building may be ceremonially opened by a dignitary days after it has actually been finished, and a foundation stone is ceremonially laid long before construction begins. The adverb appears frequently in journalism covering state occasions, religious observances, inaugurations, and cultural traditions, lending such reporting an appropriately elevated register. Its connotations are dignified and solemn rather than casual. The word derives from 'ceremony', which entered English via Latin 'caerimonia', a term for sacred rites whose ultimate origin remains uncertain. Related forms include the adjective 'ceremonial' and the noun 'ceremony'. Writers should not confuse it with 'ceremoniously', which instead describes behaviour that is stiffly or ostentatiously formal in manner.
adverbIn a manner relating to or performed as part of a ceremony; in a formal, ritual, or ceremonial way.
- In a way connected with or performed as part of a formal ceremony or ritual.
"The new ambassador was ceremonially welcomed with a guard of honour and a brass band."
"The bridge was ceremonially opened by the mayor before traffic was allowed across."
"The grounds were ceremonially cleansed before the festival began."
When something is 'ceremonially' cut, opened, or buried, it often isn't really — the ribbon gets cut twice, once for show and once for real.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ceremonially
Ceremonially is formed from 'ceremonial' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. Its root, 'ceremony', came into English in the Middle Ages from Latin 'caerimonia', meaning a sacred rite or religious observance, likely via Old French. Latin 'caerimonia' itself is of uncertain ultimate origin, though it may relate to the town Caere in Etruria, where certain Roman rites were said to have originated. Cognate forms include 'ceremonious' and the adjective 'ceremonial'.
Related word forms
How ceremonially is actually used
A fairly formal word, most common in news reporting of official events and in descriptions of religious or traditional rituals. It typically modifies verbs describing actions performed for symbolic rather than practical effect.
Easily confused with ceremonially
Ceremoniously describes behaviour that is extremely formal or pompous in manner, while ceremonially describes something done as part of an actual ceremony or ritual.