procession
pruh-SESH-uhn
/prəˈsɛʃən/
A number of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly fashion, especially as part of a ceremony.
Implies order, dignity, and often a religious or official purpose.
The story behind the word. From 'pro-' (forward) and 'cedere' (to go). It describes the physical act of moving forward as a collective unit.
Word relationships
- cortege: A cortege is specifically a funeral procession.
Commonly confused with
- parade: A parade is for show; a procession is for ceremony or order.
Word family
- process (verb): to walk in a procession
Collocations
- funeral procession
- wedding procession
- solemn procession
Example sentences
- "The long procession of the seasons." Literature
Memory hook
Procession = People Proceeding. Orderly movement forward.
When not to use
Don't use for a chaotic crowd; it must be 'orderly.'
Fun facts
- The 'Procession of the Princes' in Dresden is a giant mural made of porcelain tiles depicting a line of rulers.
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