ritualistic
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Relating to or characteristic of rituals: Pertaining to established, formal, and often repeated ceremonies or procedures. 2. Done in a fixed, ceremonial, or repetitive manner: Characterized by actions performed with the regularity and formality of a ritual, sometimes without sincere feeling or original thought.
Usage
The adjective "ritualistic" describes something that is connected to rituals or that is performed with the rigid, formal quality of a ritual. It can be used neutrally to describe actual religious or cultural rites, or it can carry a slightly negative connotation when describing secular actions that are overly rigid, repetitive, and performed without genuine engagement.
Examples
- The ritualistic chanting marked the beginning of the ceremony.
- He had a ritualistic morning routine: coffee, newspaper, then a walk, always in that order.
- The debate had become ritualistic, with each side repeating the same well-worn arguments.
- Anthropologists studied the tribe's ritualistic practices surrounding harvest festivals.
Advanced Usage
- "Ritualistic adherence": Following rules or procedures with strict, unthinking formality.
- The company's ritualistic adherence to outdated protocols stifled innovation.
- "Ritualistic behavior": Actions performed in a repetitive, patterned way, often used in psychological or sociological contexts.
- The athlete's pre-game stretches were a form of calming, ritualistic behavior.
Variants and Related Words
- Ritual (n): A religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.
- The wedding ritual was beautiful.
- Ritualistically (adv): In a ritualistic manner.
- The objects were arranged ritualistically on the altar.
- Ritualism (n): The practice of or adherence to ritual, especially when excessive or empty of meaning.
- He criticized the empty ritualism of the political process.
Synonyms
- Ceremonial
- Formalistic
- Prescribed
- Routine
- Stereotyped
Antonyms
- Spontaneous
- Informal
- Unceremonious
- Impromptu
Related Phrases / Collocations
- Ritualistic sacrifice: A killing or offering performed as part of a religious or traditional rite.
- Ritualistic cleansing: A ceremonial act of purification.
- Ritualistic aspect: The part of an activity that resembles or functions as a ritual.
Adjective
- of or characterized by or adhering to ritualism
- a feudal or ritualistic society
- the ritualistic killing of a sheep