procession
B2Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A formal, orderly, continuous line or movement of people, vehicles, or objects, often for a ceremonial, religious, or celebratory purpose.
1. The action of moving forward in a steady, regular, and often ceremonial manner. 2. A continuous series or succession of things or people. 3. (In theology) The emanation of the Holy Spirit.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a countable noun denoting an event or a sequence. It strongly implies order, formality, and continuity. Can be used metaphorically ('a procession of ideas').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The verb form 'to procession' is virtually non-existent in modern usage in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with traditional, royal, or state occasions in British English (e.g., Lord Mayor's Show, Remembrance Sunday). In American English, may be strongly associated with parades (Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade) and funeral cortèges.
Frequency
Comparable frequency, though 'parade' may be more common in American English for celebratory events.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[ADJ] procession of [NOUN][VERB] a processionin processionprocession through [PLACE]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in procession”
- “a procession of (metaphorical)”
- “(go/walk) in slow procession”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'A procession of new regulations has made compliance difficult.'
Academic
Used in history, religious studies, and sociology to describe ceremonial or protest movements.
Everyday
Describing a line of cars for a wedding or a funeral, or people walking in an organized group for an event.
Technical
In theology: 'the procession of the Holy Spirit.' In computing/queuing theory, rarely used metaphorically.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The mourners will procession from the church to the cemetery. (RARE/ARCHAIC)
American English
- The graduates will procession into the stadium. (RARE/FORMAL)
adverb
British English
- They walked processionally into the hall. (VERY RARE)
American English
- The cars moved processionaly down the avenue. (VERY RARE/POETIC)
adjective
British English
- The processionary route was lined with barriers. (Technical, as in 'processionary moth')
American English
- They followed the processional way. (Formal/Religious)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We saw a long procession of cars for the wedding.
- The children walked in a procession at the school play.
- A solemn funeral procession moved slowly through the town centre.
- After the ceremony, a colourful procession made its way to the park.
- The festival began with a torchlight procession through the ancient streets.
- The government faced a relentless procession of scandals throughout the year.
- The theological debate centred on the filioque clause and the procession of the Holy Spirit.
- An interminable procession of bureaucrats passed through the office, each demanding a different form.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PROfessional SESSION where everyone walks in a strict, single-file line.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME/EVENTS ARE MOVING OBJECTS IN A LINE ('The day continued with a procession of meetings'). LIFE IS A JOURNEY IN A LINE ('the endless procession of generations').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'процесс' (process/procedure). The correct Russian equivalent is typically 'шествие' or 'процессия'. 'Кортеж' is specific to vehicles.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'procession' to mean 'the act of processing data' (use 'processing'). Misspelling as 'processian' or 'processon'. Incorrect preposition: 'procession to' (often 'through' or 'into' is better).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'procession' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A procession is often solemn, formal, or religious, emphasising orderly movement towards a destination. A parade is typically celebratory, showy, and designed for spectators, often moving along a circular or set route for display.
Rarely and formally. In modern English, 'to process' (as in 'the graduates will process') or phrases like 'to walk in procession' are strongly preferred.
Yes, this is a standard metaphorical use, meaning a continuous, sequential series of thoughts.
It is pronounced as a 'sh' sound /ʃ/, not as a 'z' or 's'. The word is pronounced pro-SESH-un, not pro-SEE-zhun or pro-SESS-ee-on.
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