Definition

Noun: 1. A formal ceremony or act performed in a customary way: A rite is a set of fixed actions, words, and objects, often with symbolic meaning, performed according to a prescribed order. It is typically associated with religious, social, or cultural traditions. 2. A body of ceremonies or observances characteristic of a particular group or occasion: Rites collectively refer to the customary practices and rituals that define a specific tradition, religion, or life event.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The tribe performed an ancient rite to welcome the new season.
  • Marriage is an important social rite in most cultures.
  • The religious community follows strict rites for worship.
  • The rite of passage marked his transition from boyhood to manhood.

Advanced Usage

• "rite of passage": A ceremony or event marking an important stage in someone's life, especially birth, puberty, marriage, and death.
  • Learning to drive is often seen as a modern rite of passage for teenagers.
• "last rites": In some Christian traditions, the religious ceremonies performed for a person who is about to die.
  • The priest was called to administer the last rites.

Variants and Related Words

• Ritual (noun/adj): A religious or solemn ceremony involving a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order; or, related to such ceremonies. (Often used interchangeably with "rite," but "ritual" can emphasize the detailed procedure itself.)
  • The daily ritual of prayer was important to her.
• Ceremony (noun): A formal act or series of acts performed on a special occasion. (Broader than "rite"; a wedding is a ceremony that contains specific rites.)

Synonyms

• Ceremony: A formal religious or public occasion.
• Ritual: A religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions.
• Observance: The practice of complying with a custom or rule.
• Formality: The rigid observance of established rules or conventions.

Related Phrases

• To perform a rite: To carry out a ceremonial act.
  • The shaman will perform the rite at dawn.
• Prescribed by rite: Required or dictated by the rules of the ceremony.
  • The words spoken are prescribed by rite and cannot be changed.

Related Idioms

• As per rite: According to the required ceremony or custom.
  • The offerings were laid out as per rite.

Noun

1. any customary observance or practice
2. an established ceremony prescribed by a religion
   • the rite of baptism