Rites — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun plural noun /ˈrīt/ (noun) /ˈyȯrk-/ (noun)

Meaning & Definition of Rites

Rites (noun)

  1. a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a ceremony
  2. the ceremonial practices of a church or group of churches
  3. a ceremonial act or action
  4. extreme unction
  5. an act or ritual that a person must perform in order to be officially recognized as having joined a group or organization or as having achieved a new status (such as adulthood)
  6. a ritual, event, or experience that marks or constitutes a major milestone or change in a person's life
  7. a ceremonial observed by one of the Masonic systems
  8. a system or organization that observes the Scottish rite and confers the 4th through the 33rd degrees
  9. a ceremonial observed by one of the Masonic systems
  10. a system or organization that observes the York rite and confers in the U.S. 13 degrees of which the last three are in commanderies of Knights Templar

Rites (plural noun)

  1. a religious ceremony that is performed by a Catholic priest for someone who is dying

Rites (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules

    "the annual summer rite of loading up the car for the big family vacation"

    similar: ceremonials, ceremonies, formalities, forms, observances, rituals, solemnities
    related: amenities, civilities, decorums, etiquettes, graces, proprieties, protocols, conventions, customs, habits, manners, mores, practices, standards, traditions, ways, celebrations, services

Related Entry: Rite (noun)

Rite is a different word from Rites. The synonyms below are for rite, not for rites.

  1. an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules

    "the annual summer rite of loading up the car for the big family vacation"

    similar: ceremonial, ceremony, form, formality, observance, ritual, solemnity
    related: amenities, civility, decorum, etiquette, graces, proprieties, protocol, convention, custom, habit, manners, mores, practice, standard, tradition, way, celebration, service

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Rites

The most common words with a similar meaning to Rites:

ceremonials, ceremonies, formalities, forms, observances, rituals, solemnities

Related Words for Rites

amenities, civilities, decorums, etiquettes, graces, proprieties, protocols, conventions, customs, habits, manners, mores, practices, standards, traditions, ways, celebrations, services

Word Forms of Rites

Inflections: initiation rites, rites of passage

Origin & Etymology of Rites

Middle English, from Latin ritus; akin to Greek arithmos number arithmetic

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Rites

last rites, the last rites

Frequently Asked Questions about Rites

What does "Rites" mean?

"Rites" means a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a ceremony. As an a noun and a plural noun, it is defined as: a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a ceremony.

What is another word for "Rites"?

Other words for "Rites" include ceremonials, ceremonies, formalities, forms, observances, rituals and solemnities. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Rites" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Rites"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Rites". Common alternatives include ceremonials, ceremonies, formalities, forms, observances, rituals and solemnities.

How do you use "Rites" in a sentence?

Examples of "Rites" in a sentence: "the annual summer rite of loading up the car for the big family vacation".

Is "Rites" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Rites" can be used as a noun and a plural noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Rites"?

"Rites" is pronounced /ˈrīt/ as a noun and /ˈyȯrk-/ as a noun.

What is the origin of the word "Rites"?

"Rites" comes from Middle English, from Latin ritus; akin to Greek arithmos number arithmetic. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Rites" meaning "an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules"?

When "Rites" (noun) means an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules, synonyms include ceremonials, ceremonies, formalities, forms, observances and rituals.