ceremonylike

Ceremonylike is an adjective meaning resembling or having the characteristics of a ceremony or ritual. It describes behavior, settings, or objects that are formal, ritualistic, or solemn in character, even if not part of an official ceremony.

The term emphasizes resemblance to ceremony rather than strict formality. It is distinguished from ceremonial, which more directly indicates official or ritual proceedings or a quality connected to a formal rite.

Ceremonylike is formed from ceremony plus the suffix -like, and it is used in modern English to convey mood or tone rather than to denote an actual rite. Some writers spell it ceremonylike, while others use ceremonial-like or ceremonial-like forms; usage varies.

Examples of usage include: The procession moved in a ceremonylike manner, with guards at attention and speakers following a fixed order. Her greeting was intentionally ceremonylike, with measured pauses and formal bows.

See also: ceremonial, ceremonious, ritual.