rite de passage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic
Quick answer
What does “rite de passage” mean?
A ceremony or ritual that marks a person's transition from one stage of life to another, such as puberty, marriage, or death.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A ceremony or ritual that marks a person's transition from one stage of life to another, such as puberty, marriage, or death.
Any significant experience or event that symbolizes a personal or social transition, often used metaphorically in modern contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning; spelling is consistent, but American English may use it more frequently in metaphorical or popular culture contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes tradition and importance; in British English, it is often perceived as more literary or academic.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English in everyday metaphorical usage, such as describing personal milestones.
Grammar
How to Use “rite de passage” in a Sentence
as a rite de passageto undergo a rite de passagethat serves as a rite de passageVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may refer metaphorically to induction programs or career advancements.
Academic
Common in anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies to analyze life transitions.
Everyday
Used to describe personal milestones like graduating or learning to drive.
Technical
Specific term in ethnography, ritual studies, and psychological development theories.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rite de passage”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “rite de passage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rite de passage”
- Misspelling as 'right of passage' or mispronouncing 'passage' with a hard 'g' sound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'rite of passage' is an English calque often used interchangeably, though 'rite de passage' retains the original French form and may sound more formal.
Yes, in modern usage, it can metaphorically describe any significant personal experience, such as a first job or moving to a new city.
Use it as a noun phrase, e.g., 'The graduation ceremony was a rite de passage for the students.'
Yes, many cultures have distinct rites for males and females, such as bar mitzvahs for boys or quinceañeras for girls.
A ceremony or ritual that marks a person's transition from one stage of life to another, such as puberty, marriage, or death.
Rite de passage is usually formal, academic in register.
Rite de passage: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːt də ˈpæsɑːʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːt də pəˈsɑʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “rite of passage”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'rite' as the 'right' way to mark a 'passage' or journey through life stages.
Conceptual Metaphor
Life is a journey; rites de passage are crossings or signposts on that journey.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'rite de passage'?