Langimage
English

unceremonious

|un-ce-re-mon-ious|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˌʌnsəˈrɛməniəs/

🇬🇧

/ˌʌnsəˈrɛmənɪəs/

not formal; abrupt

Etymology
Etymology Information

'unceremonious' originates from Modern English, specifically formed by the negative prefix 'un-' + the adjective 'ceremonious', where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'ceremonious' is ultimately from Latin 'ceremonia' meaning 'a religious rite' or 'formal observance'.

Historical Evolution

'ceremonious' comes from Latin 'ceremonia' via Old French/Latin influence into Middle English; the adjective 'unceremonious' was formed in English by adding the negative 'un-' to 'ceremonious' in the Early Modern English period and developed into the modern word 'unceremonious'.

Meaning Changes

Initially formed to mean 'not ceremonious' (i.e., lacking ceremony or formality); over time it acquired senses emphasizing abruptness or lack of courtesy, giving the modern meanings 'informal/abrupt' and 'discourteous'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

done without ceremony or formalities; abrupt or informal in manner.

He made an unceremonious exit from the meeting.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

lacking proper respect or courtesy; rude or discourteous.

Their dismissal of the proposal was unceremonious.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/10/18 22:06