ritualist
|rit-u-al-ist|
/ˈrɪtʃuəlɪst/
one who performs or clings to rites
Etymology
'ritualist' originates from English, specifically the word 'ritual' plus the suffix '-ist', where 'ritual' derives from Latin 'ritualis' and the root 'ritus' meant 'rite'.
'ritualist' changed from earlier English formations based on Middle English/French 'ritual' (from Latin 'ritualis'); the modern English noun 'ritualist' was formed by adding the agent suffix '-ist' to indicate a person associated with rituals.
Initially it referred to matters relating to 'ritual' or rites; over time 'ritualist' came to mean specifically a person who performs or strictly adheres to such rites, sometimes carrying a connotation of excessive formalism.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who performs or is an expert in religious or other formal rituals.
He was known as a devoted ritualist who led the congregation's ceremonies.
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Noun 2
a person who insists on observing rituals or formalities, often valuing form over substance.
As a ritualist, she placed more importance on the correct procedures than on the intended spirit of the event.
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Last updated: 2025/10/19 00:40