Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to or characteristic of a withdrawal or departure: Specifically describes something associated with the act of receding or moving back, often used in formal or ceremonial contexts.
   • Occurring at the end of a formal proceeding: Pertaining to the concluding part of an event, especially a church service.

2. Noun:

   • A hymn sung at the conclusion of a church service: A piece of music performed as the clergy and choir exit the chancel.
   • The ceremonial withdrawal of the clergy and choir: The formal procession at the end of a religious service.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • The recessional music began as the ceremony concluded.
  • They followed the recessional procession out of the cathedral.

• Noun:

  • The choir sang a beautiful recessional as they left.
  • The recessional marked the official end of the worship service.

Advanced Usage

• "Recessional velocity": (In astronomy) The speed at which a celestial object, like a galaxy, is moving away from an observer.
  • Scientists measured the galaxy's recessional velocity to understand the expansion of the universe.

Variants and Related Words

• Recession (n): A period of economic decline; the act of receding or withdrawing.
  • The country entered a severe recession.
• Recede (v): To move back or away; to become more distant.
  • The floodwaters began to recede.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Concluding, final, valedictory.
• Noun: Closing hymn, retiring hymn, processional (antonym: for an opening procession).

Related Phrases

• Recessional march: Music played during a formal exit procession.
  • The organist played a solemn recessional march.

Adjective

1. of or relating to receding

Noun

1. a hymn that is sung at the end of a service as the clergy and choir withdraw
2. the withdrawal of the clergy and choir from the chancel to the vestry at the end of a church service