Ritually

Ritually describes actions performed according to a prescribed or established procedure, especially those of a religious or solemn nature. It implies a formalized and often repetitive sequence, often involving specific objects, words, or gestures. This adherence to a predetermined order provides a sense of structure, meaning, and sometimes, spiritual significance. The practice is commonly associated with tradition, culture, and the transmission of values, beliefs, and social norms across generations. The importance of the 'ritual' lays often not in what is done, but why and how its performed, giving it great importance and meaning for the person performing the act.

Ritually meaning with examples

• The priest ritually cleansed the altar with holy water before beginning the Eucharist. Every Sunday, the family ritually gathers for a big breakfast, a tradition passed down for generations, fostering family bonding. She ritually checks her email first thing in the morning, a habit she struggles to break. Athletes often ritually follow a set routine of warm-up exercises before a competition. The community ritually observes the harvest festival each fall to give thanks for a good season.
• The shaman ritually invoked the spirits, chanting specific prayers and burning incense. Each morning, he ritually watered his bonsai trees as a meditative practice. Every year, the town ritually re-enacted the founding of their settlement. The pilot ritually reviewed the pre-flight checklist before every departure. To deal with a stressful situation she ritually meditated for 30 minutes before continuing.
• During the ceremony, participants ritually offered gifts to the gods. She ritually avoids eating meat on Fridays, a long-held practice. Every time a ship sets sail, the port ritually waves goodbye. He ritually ties his shoes a certain way before every exam, seeing this as a lucky habit. Before bed, the children ritually had a story read to them to relax.
• The tribe ritually painted their faces with sacred symbols before going into battle. She ritually sets a place at the table for her deceased grandmother. Before a play, the cast members ritually say a good-luck phrase. To remember a recent loved one, he ritually leaves a single rose on the front porch on the anniversary of their death. After her work day, she ritually spends 30 minutes journaling.
• The members of the secret society ritually performed initiations for new members. The family ritually lit candles on the Sabbath, creating a sacred space. Every time they reach a milestone, the staff ritually toasts with champagne. To help clear her head she ritually runs 3 miles. The school ritually hosts a ceremony for graduating students.