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ceremonious

When people are involved in a ceremony, they often behave in a solemn way, exhibiting the respect they feel for the ritual. Their behavior can be described as ceremonious.

Don't confuse ceremonious with ceremonial. Ceremonial means "by ceremony." If, after signing a peace agreement, two presidents exchange a ceremonial handshake in front of reporters, that's different from the ceremonious manner they maintain while doing so.

DEFINITIONS OF: ceremonious

1

adj characterized by pomp and ceremony and stately display

Synonyms:
pompous

adj rigidly formal or bound by convention

“their ceremonious greetings did not seem heartfelt”
Synonyms:
conventional
formal
being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)
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