RITUALISTIC

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does ritualistic mean? 

• RITUALISTIC (adjective)
  The adjective RITUALISTIC has 1 sense:

1. of or characterized by or adhering to ritualism

  Familiarity information: RITUALISTIC used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• RITUALISTIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or characterized by or adhering to ritualism

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

the ritualistic killing of a sheep

Pertainym:

ritualism (exaggerated emphasis on the importance of rites or ritualistic forms in worship)

Derivation:

ritualism (exaggerated emphasis on the importance of rites or ritualistic forms in worship)

ritualism (the study of religious or magical rites and ceremonies)

 Context examples 

This feeds into the scholarly discussion of whether the purpose of the statues was exclusively ritualistic, practical or some combination of these.

(Scientists report correlation between locations of Easter Island statues and water resources, Wikinews)