ceremony

ceremony — noun

1. A specially organised event that follows a set of traditional rules, held to mar

1.名詞B1
釋義

A specially organised event that follows a set of traditional rules, held to mark an important social, religious, or public occasion — such as a wedding, graduation, or award-giving event.

例句

The graduation ceremony at National Taiwan University lasted nearly three hours.

collocation: graduation ceremony

Aiko's parents flew from Japan to attend the award ceremony where she received first prize.

collocation: attend + ceremony

同義詞
  • ritual

    Focuses on repeated symbolic actions, often religious; a ritual can be part of a ceremony

  • rite

    More formal and solemn than ceremony; often linked to religion or tradition

  • service

    Specifically a religious ceremony, such as a wedding or funeral

用法筆記

Can be countable ('a ceremony') or uncountable ('much ceremony'). Countable uses refer to a specific event; uncountable uses describe the general concept of formal proceedings.

常見錯誤

❌We went to the ceremony hall to watch the event.
✅We went to the ceremony to watch the event.
💡'ceremony' already implies its venue; adding 'hall' is redundant.

2. The quality of acting with very careful politeness and strict social rules, espe

2.名詞B2
釋義

The quality of acting with very careful politeness and strict social rules, especially in situations where people expect a certain level of formality.

例句

The ambassador's assistant opened the door without any ceremony and led them straight in.

phrase: without ceremony

At the family reunion, Uncle Koji skipped the ceremony and just enjoyed the food.

同義詞
  • formality

    A rule or act of polite behaviour; more neutral than ceremony, which can imply stiffness

  • etiquette

    The accepted code of polite behaviour in a society or group; broader and more systematic than ceremony

  • protocol

    Official rules of behaviour in diplomatic or professional settings; stricter than ceremony

反義詞
  • informality

    A relaxed, casual way of behaving that avoids set rules

用法筆記

Almost always uncountable. Commonly appears in negative or informal constructions ('without ceremony', 'no ceremony') or with the fixed expression 'stand on ceremony.'

常見錯誤

❌He stood on ceremony when meeting the new neighbours.' (used where informality was expected).
✅He stood on ceremony and insisted on formal introductions.
💡'stand on ceremony' means insisting on formal behaviour, not just being polite; it often implies excessive formality.