solemnity

[ suh-lem-ni-tee ]
See synonyms for: solemnitysolemnities on Thesaurus.com

noun,plural so·lem·ni·ties.
  1. the state or character of being solemn; earnestness; gravity; impressiveness: the solemnity of a state funeral.

  2. Often solemnities. a solemn observance, ceremonial proceeding, or special formality: the solemnities of Easter.

  1. Law. a formality that renders an act or document valid.

Origin of solemnity

1
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English solempnete, from Old French, from Latin sollemnitās; equivalent to solemn + -ity

Other words from solemnity

  • o·ver·so·lem·ni·ty, noun
  • sem·i·so·lem·ni·ty, noun
  • su·per·so·lem·ni·ty, noun

Words Nearby solemnity

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use solemnity in a sentence

  • The Briton, holding the documents in a pudgy hand, looked at the swift-gestured director with portentous solemnity.

  • Alfaretta's face assumed a look of great solemnity and a shiver of real fear ran over her.

    Dorothy at Skyrie | Evelyn Raymond
  • It is a part of religious worship, and claims that solemnity of mind that is due to every religious service.

  • All things that could give solemnity to an observance unite to invest this with a devout character.

British Dictionary definitions for solemnity

solemnity

/ (səˈlɛmnɪtɪ) /


nounplural -ties
  1. the state or quality of being solemn

  2. (often plural) solemn ceremony, observance, celebration, etc

  1. law a formality necessary to validate a deed, act, contract, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012