ritual
RIHCH-oo-uhl
Ritual (noun) means a set sequence of actions performed regularly, often with symbolic or religious meaning. Example: “Lighting candles at dinner is a small family ritual we all enjoy.”
noun
1
A set sequence of actions performed regularly, often with symbolic or religious meaning.
"Lighting candles at dinner is a small family ritual we all enjoy."
"The morning coffee had become a ritual he never skipped."
"The priest led the congregation through the ritual."
adj
1
Relating to, or done as part of, a rite or fixed ceremony.
"The villagers performed a ritual cleansing of the temple before the festival."
"Ritual objects were laid out carefully on the altar."
"Ritual dances marked the start of the harvest festival."
How to use ritual
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fixed, often symbolic routine — can be religious or just a personal habit repeated the same way each time.
Common pairings
daily ritual
ritual sacrifice
ritual behaviour
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Word forms
- Plural
- rituals
- Comparative
- more ritual
- Superlative
- most ritual
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Lighting candles at dinner is a small family _____ we all enjoy.
Etymology
From Latin rituālis, itself built from ritus ("rite") plus the adjective ending "-alis."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ritual
See all rhymes for ritual →Frequently asked questions
What does “ritual” mean?
The word “ritual” means a set sequence of actions performed regularly, often with symbolic or religious meaning. In plain terms, a fixed, often symbolic routine — can be religious or just a personal habit repeated the same way each time.
How do you pronounce “ritual”?
“Ritual” is pronounced RIHCH-oo-uhl (/ˈɹɪt͡ʃ.u.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “ritual” in a sentence?
Here is “ritual” used in a sentence: “The morning coffee had become a ritual he never skipped.”
What part of speech is “ritual”?
Depending on how it is used, “ritual” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “ritual” come from?
The word “ritual” comes from Latin. From Latin rituālis, itself built from ritus ("rite") plus the adjective ending "-alis.".
Is “ritual” a common word?
“Ritual” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “ritual” have?
“Ritual” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a set sequence of actions performed regularly, often with symbolic or religious meaning.
What is the difference between a ritual and a habit?
A habit is a behaviour repeated so often that it becomes automatic and unthinking. A ritual is a set sequence of actions performed deliberately and regularly, often carrying symbolic or religious meaning. Brushing your teeth is a habit; a wedding ceremony or a fixed pre-match routine is a ritual.
What is the difference between ritual and rite?
A rite is a formal, often religious ceremony, such as a rite of passage. Ritual refers to the set sequence of actions involved and is the broader word: it also covers secular routines like a morning coffee ritual, and it works as an adjective, as in ritual washing.
Does a ritual have to be religious?
No. Many rituals carry religious or symbolic meaning, but the word also covers any set sequence of actions performed regularly, such as an athlete's pre-game ritual. Context signals whether the sense is sacred or everyday.
What is the difference between ritual and ritualistic?
Ritual as an adjective simply means relating to, or done as part of, a rite or fixed ceremony, as in a ritual dance. Ritualistic often adds a suggestion of rigid, mechanical, or excessive adherence to routine. Choose ritual for neutral description and ritualistic when the repetition itself is the point.
