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ritual

rree-TOO-ahl/riˈtwal/

“ritual” means “ritual” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

ritual, routine

Also: rite
NounmB1
Three simplified, robed figures standing in a simple, circular formation. They are all performing the exact same synchronized, respectful gesture towards a small, glowing central object on the ground, symbolizing a fixed ceremony.

📝 In Action

El té de la tarde es un ritual que sigo todos los días.

A2

Afternoon tea is a ritual that I follow every day.

El sacerdote ofició el antiguo ritual de la cosecha.

B1

The priest conducted the ancient harvest ritual.

Los rituales funerarios varían mucho entre culturas.

B2

Funeral rituals vary greatly among cultures.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • un ritual sagrado – a sacred ritual
  • seguir un ritual – to follow a ritual
  • ritual de belleza – beauty routine

ritual, ceremonial

Adjectivem/fB2 formal
A beautifully decorated but simple ceramic bowl resting centrally on a raised, patterned piece of red cloth, emphasizing its ceremonial nature relating to a rite.

📝 In Action

Llevaban vestimentas rituales para la celebración.

B2

They wore ritual garments for the celebration.

El sacrificio ritual era una parte clave de su cultura.

C1

The ritual sacrifice was a key part of their culture.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ceremonial (ceremonial)

Common Collocations

  • danzas rituales – ritual dances
  • pureza ritual – ritual purity

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ritual" in Spanish:

ceremonial→rite→ritual→routine→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ritual

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'ritual' as an adjective?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
ritualmente(ritually) — Adverb
ritualista(ritualist) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *ritualis*, which itself derived from *ritus*, meaning 'rite' or 'custom.' It entered Spanish to describe a prescribed, fixed series of actions.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: ritualFrench: rituelItalian: rituale

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'ritual' a common word in daily Spanish?

Yes, absolutely! While it can describe ancient ceremonies, it is also frequently used in everyday conversation to talk about personal routines, like 'mi ritual de café' (my coffee routine).

Does 'ritual' change its form?

As a noun, it only changes to plural: 'rituales.' When it acts as an adjective (describing another noun), it also changes to plural to match: 'danzas rituales.'