ceremony
UK[ˈserəməni]US[ˈserəmoʊni]
n
A formal public or religious event performed on a special occasion, following a set of established rituals.
n
The formal, polite, and often elaborate behavior considered appropriate for a particular social or official situation.
Etymology
The word 'ceremony' traveled into English through the well-trodden path of Norman French, originating from the Latin 'caerimonia'. This Latin term, denoting sacred rites and reverential awe, carries an air of ancient mystery, as its roots are obscure but may lie in the rituals of the Etruscan civilization. The core concept transitioned from specifically religious veneration to encompass any formal ritual conducted with solemnity. Thus, the modern meaning retains the original sense of a prescribed formal act while expanding to include the codes of polite conduct expected in formal settings.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword. It entered English as a single unit from Old French 'ceremonie', which came from Latin 'caerimonia' meaning 'religious worship, sacred rite, awe, reverence'. The ultimate origin is uncertain but may be Etruscan.
Examples
The graduation ceremony was held in the university's main hall.
They were married in a simple ceremony with only close family present.
He handed her the award with great ceremony.