rite of passage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Academic/Literary
Quick answer
What does “rite of passage” mean?
A ceremony, event, or experience that marks an important transition in a person's life, especially from one stage to another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A ceremony, event, or experience that marks an important transition in a person's life, especially from one stage to another.
Any significant or transformative experience that serves as a milestone, moving an individual or group into a new phase of social or personal identity. Can be culturally formalised or informally recognised.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Usage is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used in its original anthropological sense in UK academic writing; more frequently used metaphorically in general US discourse (e.g., for personal experiences).
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties. Slightly more common in US media when describing informal cultural milestones.
Grammar
How to Use “rite of passage” in a Sentence
[Subject] undergo a rite of passage[Subject] experience a rite of passage[Subject] serve as a rite of passage for [Object][Subject] mark a rite of passageVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rite of passage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ceremony rites the passage from childhood to adulthood.
- They ritually passaged the young initiates.
American English
- The tradition rites the passage into the tribe.
- The experience passaged him into manhood.
adverb
British English
- The event proceeded rite-of-passage-like, with symbolic trials.
- He was inducted, as it were, rite-of-passage-ily.
American English
- The process unfolded in a rite-of-passage manner.
- She was treated, almost rite-of-passage-wise, as an adult afterward.
adjective
British English
- The rite-of-passage experience was deeply moving.
- They discussed the rite-of-passage nature of the test.
American English
- It was a classic rite-of-passage movie about summer camp.
- He described his rite-of-passage journey across the country.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used literally. Metaphorically: 'Surviving his first major investor pitch was a rite of passage.'
Academic
Common in anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies to describe formalised transitions (e.g., weddings, graduations, initiations).
Everyday
Used for significant personal experiences: 'Learning to drive was a rite of passage for my son.'
Technical
In anthropology, a specific term for rituals marking change in social status (e.g., from child to adult).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rite of passage”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “rite of passage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rite of passage”
- Misspelling as 'right of passage'. (Remember: 'rite' = ritual).
- Using it for any minor event, diluting its meaning of significant transition.
- Incorrect article: 'He had rite of passage' (needs 'a').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is 'rite' (meaning a ceremonial act). 'Right of passage' is an incorrect but common misspelling.
Yes, in modern metaphorical use, it can describe any significant, transformative experience that feels like a milestone (e.g., a first solo trip).
Classic examples include baptisms, bar/bat mitzvahs, graduations, weddings, initiations into societies, and retirement parties.
A 'coming of age' is a type of rite of passage, specifically one marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. 'Rite of passage' is the broader category.
A ceremony, event, or experience that marks an important transition in a person's life, especially from one stage to another.
Rite of passage is usually formal/academic/literary in register.
Rite of passage: in British English it is pronounced /ˌraɪt əv ˈpæs.ɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌraɪt əv ˈpæs.ɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A baptism of fire (as an informal, challenging rite of passage)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'rite' (a ceremony) helping you pass the 'age' or stage you're in. It's a ceremonial passport to a new phase of life.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY with ceremonial checkpoints. GROWTH IS A CEREMONIAL CROSSING.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'rite of passage'?