Ceremonial Language

verb to honor the memory of someone or something, typically by a ceremony or celebration

• The town will commemorate the anniversary of its founding with a special ceremony.
• We should commemorate our friendship by going out for dinner tonight.
• Let's commemorate the end of the semester with a huge party!
• The statue was erected to commemorate the bravery of those who fought in the war.

noun a short ceremonial tune or flourish played on brass instruments, typically to introduce something or someone important

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• The orchestra played a grand fanfare to introduce the guest of honor.
• There was a lot of fanfare at the concert last night, with fireworks and confetti.
• The new product launch was met with a lot of fanfare on social media.
• Amidst all the fanfare of the awards ceremony, she quietly slipped out the back door.

verb to regard or treat with respect or admiration

adjective highly respected or esteemed

• I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award for my contributions to the field.
• I feel so honored that you chose me to be your maid of honor!
• I was totally honored to be invited to the party, it was lit!
• The artist felt honored as the colors on the canvas came together in perfect harmony.

noun a request or prayer for help or inspiration

verb to call upon or appeal to (someone or something) for help or inspiration

• The lawyer invoked a little-known precedent to support her argument.
• I always invoke my right to remain silent when dealing with the police.
• Don't worry, I'll invoke my connections to get us into the club tonight.
• The artist's use of color invokes a sense of nostalgia in the viewer.

noun a person who is obedient or respectful

adjective showing obedience or respect

• The servant was always obeisant to his master, following his every command without question.
• She was obeisant to her parents' wishes, always doing what they asked without hesitation.
• The group of friends were so close that they were almost obeisant to each other's opinions.
• The artist's brushstrokes seemed obeisant to the emotions he was trying to convey in his painting.

noun splendid or magnificent display

• The royal wedding was filled with grandeur and pomp.
• The graduation ceremony had a lot of unnecessary pomp and circumstance.
• The award show was all about the celebrities and their pomp.
• His speech was full of pomp and bravado, but lacked substance.

noun a book containing the forms for the sacraments and rites of the Roman Catholic Church

adjective relating to a pope or bishop; pompous or self-important

• The pontifical ceremony was attended by dignitaries from around the world.
• The pontifical speech given by the professor was quite impressive.
• I can't believe how pontifical he acted during the meeting.
• Her pontifical attitude towards others often alienated her from forming close relationships.

verb to make holy or sacred; to purify or free from sin

• The priest sanctified the holy water before the ceremony.
• I feel like cleaning my room will sanctify the space.
• Dude, let's sanctify this party with some good music!
• Her dedication to her work sanctifies her reputation in the industry.

verb to perform or observe with solemn rites or ceremonies; to make solemn, serious, or grave

• The priest will solemnize the marriage ceremony in the church.
• They're planning to solemnize their relationship with a small gathering at home.
• I heard they're gonna solemnize their union at the beach next weekend.
• The artist's brushstrokes solemnize the beauty of the landscape in his painting.

noun a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered, observed in the US on the last Monday in May

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• On Memorial Day, we honor and remember those who have served in the military and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
• Are you going to the Memorial Day parade this weekend?
• Let's grill some burgers and chill out by the pool for Memorial Day.
• For some, Memorial Day serves as a time to reflect on personal losses and memories of loved ones who have passed away.