rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -osus
Latin

-osus

full of, having; characterized by

Forms

  • -osus
  • -ous — English ending developed through French.
  • -ose — A learned English form based on the Latin suffix.

Origin

Latin -osus, a suffix attached to nouns; its deeper formation is uncertain.

Note

Usually marks a characteristic, without requiring a literal abundance of anything.

15 / 117
South Asian official formally presents key to white older woman.
adjective

ceremonious

sair-uh-MOH-nee-us/ˌserəˈməʊniəs/

Marked by formal ritual or elaborate politeness.

Etymology
ceremoniLatinreverent rite; sacred ceremony
+ousLatinfull of, having; characterized by

The sacred-rite sense of caerimonia broadened to include social formalities and polite customs. Ceremonious characterizes someone who carefully observes those outward forms, not merely something connected with a ceremony.

Full entry

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