processional: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal / Technical / Religious
Quick answer
What does “processional” mean?
Related to or used in a procession.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Related to or used in a procession; moving forward in an orderly, ceremonial line.
Can refer to the liturgical book containing the prayers, hymns, and rubrics for processions in Christian worship; by extension, anything characterized by a formal, stately, forward-moving progression.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation consistent. Usage differences primarily relate to liturgical contexts (e.g., Anglican vs. Catholic traditions in the UK, diverse Protestant vs. Catholic in the US).
Connotations
In both, strongly associated with formal ceremony, religion, and pageantry. In secular contexts, can imply a slow, deliberate, sometimes tedious progression.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday language in both regions. Slightly higher frequency in the UK due to more frequent public ceremonial events (royal, academic, military).
Grammar
How to Use “processional” in a Sentence
[adj] + [noun] (processional route)the + [adj] + of + [noun] (the processional of the clergy)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “processional” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- The choir moved processionally down the aisle.
American English
- The delegates entered the convention hall processionally.
adjective
British English
- The processional route from the Abbey to the Palace was lined with spectators.
- They sang a traditional processional hymn as they entered the cathedral.
American English
- The processional music began as the graduates filed into the stadium.
- The bishop carried the processional cross at the head of the line.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could describe the formal entry of board members at an annual meeting.
Academic
Used in history, religious studies, and musicology to describe ceremonial movements or specific liturgical books.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used for describing wedding or graduation ceremonies.
Technical
Standard term in liturgy (noun: the book; adj: describing elements of a procession). Common in event planning for formal parades.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “processional”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “processional”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “processional”
- Misspelling as 'processionnal' (double 'n').
- Using it as a synonym for 'procedural'.
- Incorrect stress: placing stress on the first syllable (/ˈprəʊsɛʃənəl/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is far more commonly used as an adjective (e.g., processional music). Its use as a noun is specialised, primarily in Christian liturgical contexts.
'Procession' is the noun for the event itself (the parade, the ceremonial walk). 'Processional' as an adjective describes things related to that event (the route, the music). As a noun, 'processional' refers to a specific book used in such events.
Yes, though it retains a formal tone. It can describe any formal, orderly parade or entrance, such as at a graduation, wedding, or official state ceremony.
The direct liturgical opposite is 'recessional' (the ceremonial exit at the end of a service). More generally, antonyms include 'disorderly', 'chaotic', or 'informal'.
Related to or used in a procession.
Processional is usually formal / technical / religious in register.
Processional: in British English it is pronounced /prəˈsɛʃən(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /prəˈsɛʃən(ə)l/ /proʊˈsɛʃən(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specifically for 'processional'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PROfessional CESSpool (sounds like 'session-all') – but it's not dirty! It's a very formal, orderly line (procession) of professionals moving slowly.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME/EVENTS AS A JOURNEY FORWARD ("The processional movement of the debate was slow but inevitable"), ORDER AS LINEAR PROGRESSION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'processional' most accurately used as a noun?