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Ritual vs Ceremonial - What's the difference?

ritual | ceremonial |

As adjectives the difference between ritual and ceremonial

is that ritual is related to a rite or repeated set of actions while ceremonial is of, relating to, or used in a ceremony; ritual or formal.

As nouns the difference between ritual and ceremonial

is that ritual is rite; a repeated set of actions while ceremonial is a ceremony, or series of ceremonies, prescribed by ritual.

ritual

English

Alternative forms

* rituall (obsolete)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Related to a rite or repeated set of actions.
    • They performed the ritual lighting of the candles.

    Derived terms

    * ritually

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • rite; a repeated set of actions
    • They carried out the ritual carefully.

    Derived terms

    * ritualisation, ritualization * ritualise, ritualize * ritualist * ritualistic * ritually

    ceremonial

    English

    Alternative forms

    *

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Of, relating to, or used in a ceremony; ritual or formal.
  • * Hallam
    • Ceremonial observances and outward show.
  • (archaic) Observant of forms; ceremonious.
    • (Donne)
  • * Dryden
    • He moves in the dull ceremonial track.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A ceremony, or series of ceremonies, prescribed by ritual.