ritual
/ˈrɪtʃuəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈrɪtʃuəl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈri-chə-wəl -chəl; ˈrich-wəl/ (ame, mw)
ritual — noun
- ritualsingular
- ritualsplural
1. a set of actions that someone always does in a fixed order at regular times, oft
a set of actions that someone always does in a fixed order at regular times, often without thinking much about each step
Each morning, Saira follows her ritual of making coffee and reading the news before work.
ritual + of + making coffee (noun/-ing pattern)
Sunday brunch with her family became a weekly ritual that Jenna looked forward to.
weekly ritual — time adjective + ritual
The team's pre-game ritual of gathering and shouting together helped them feel ready.
Takeshi's bedtime ritual includes turning off screens and reading a short story.
文法句型
ritual + of + something
possessive + ritual
用法筆記
Frequently used with a possessive adjective (my, his, her, their) or a noun modifier (morning ritual, bedtime ritual, Sunday ritual). Unlike 'habit', which can be a single unconscious action, a ritual is usually a deliberate sequence of steps.
常見錯誤
2. a fixed series of actions and spoken words that are used during a religious cere
a fixed series of actions and spoken words that are used during a religious ceremony or spiritual practice, often carrying symbolic meaning
Lighting incense and bowing three times is a Buddhist ritual done each morning at the temple.
ritual of + lighting incense (fixed religious sequence)
Rachid watched the wedding ritual closely, noting each step the bride and groom followed.
In many faith communities, pouring water over a baby is an important ritual of welcome.
The priest explained each part of the ancient ritual to the visitors at the temple.
- ceremony
refers to the whole event, not just the fixed actions within it
- rite
more formal and specifically religious; commonly used in 'funeral rites', 'marriage rites'
- observance
emphasizes following a rule or tradition; more formal and less common in everyday speech
文法句型
ritual of + noun
perform + ritual
ritual + for + noun
用法筆記
Often modified by 'sacred', 'ancient', 'traditional', or 'religious'. When referring to the general concept rather than a specific ceremony, it can be uncountable (e.g., 'Ritual plays an important role in the community'). Distinguish from noun sense 1: this sense involves cultural or religious symbolism, not just personal routine.
常見錯誤
ritual — adjective
- ritualpositive
- more ritualcomparative
- most ritualsuperlative
1. relating to or used in ceremonies, especially religious ones — describing object
relating to or used in ceremonies, especially religious ones — describing objects, actions, or clothing that have a special role in a fixed ceremonial procedure
The dancers wore special ritual clothing made from red cloth for the ceremony.
ritual clothing — attributive use with physical objects
Pedro lit the ritual candles and placed them around the stone altar.
The ritual washing of hands and feet is done before entering the temple.
Gabriela studied the ritual dances of the indigenous community for her class.
- ceremonial
broader — can describe any ceremony, not just religious ones
- sacred
highlights the holy or spiritual nature rather than the procedural aspect
- liturgical
specifically about formal public worship in organised religions; more technical
文法句型
ritual + noun
用法筆記
Used only before a noun (attributive position). Cannot be used after a linking verb: ✅ 'a ritual dance' ❌ 'the dance is ritual'. If a predicative form is needed, use 'ritualistic' instead.
常見錯誤
2. done as a matter of social custom rather than for any practical or emotional rea
done as a matter of social custom rather than for any practical or emotional reason — describing routine social behaviours that are expected in a given situation
The two leaders exchanged ritual greetings and handshakes before the formal meeting began.
ritual greeting — social custom collocation
After ten years, Salma found the ritual apologies at each meeting tiresome.
After the game, the players went through the ritual handshake line.
Christopher made a ritual offer of help, knowing the old man would refuse.
- conventional
broader — can refer to any norm or expectation, not just social routines
- customary
suggests that something is done because it is the established way, with less implication of emptiness
- perfunctory
carries a stronger negative tone of being done without care or interest
文法句型
ritual + noun
用法筆記
Carries a mild suggestion that the action is predictable, somewhat hollow, or done out of expectation rather than genuine feeling. Used in formal or observational writing more than in everyday speech. Distinguish from adjective sense 1 (CEREMONIAL): this sense refers to social routines with no religious or ceremonial weight.