Definition

Noun: - A ceremony or ritual that marks an important stage in a person's life, especially the transition from one social or biological status to another, such as from childhood to adulthood. - A significant event or experience that symbolizes a person's entry into a new phase of life or a new group.

Usage

The term "rite of passage" is used to describe formal, often traditional, ceremonies that acknowledge personal development and social role changes. It can also be used more broadly to describe any challenging experience that serves as a transition into a new stage of life.

Examples

• In many cultures, a rite of passage like a vision quest or a graduation ceremony formally welcomes young people into the community of adults.
• Learning to drive and getting a driver's license is often considered a modern rite of passage for teenagers in many countries.
• His first solo trip abroad was a personal rite of passage into independence.

Advanced Usage

• "to serve as a rite of passage": To function as an event that marks a transition.
  • Complepping the arduous military training served as a rite of passage for the new recruits.
• "a rite of passage into/for": Used to specify the new status or group being entered.
  • The initiation ceremony was a rite of passage into the secret society.

Variants and Related Words

• Ritual (noun): A religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.
• Initiation (noun): The action of admitting someone into a secret or obscure society or group, typically with a ritual.
• Coming-of-age (adjective/noun): Reaching the age of maturity and responsibility; a story or ceremony related to this transition.

Synonyms

• Ceremony
• Initiation rite
• Transition ritual
• Life-cycle event

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A baptism of fire: A difficult first experience that initiates someone into a new job or activity. (This is a related concept but not a direct synonym, as it emphasizes a harsh initiation rather than a formal ritual.)
  • His first day managing the crisis was a real baptism of fire.

Noun

1. a ritual performed in some cultures at times when an individual changes status (as from adolescence to adulthood)