solemn

[sol-uhm]

adjective

1. grave, sober, or mirthless, as a person, the face, speech, tone, or mood.

   solemn remarks.

   Synonyms: serious, unsmiling
   Antonyms: humorous

2. gravely or somberly impressive; causing serious thoughts or a grave mood.

   solemn music.

   Synonyms: stately, imposing, august
   Antonyms: trivial

3. serious or earnest.

   solemn assurances.

4. characterized by dignified or serious formality, as proceedings; of a formal or ceremonious character.

   a solemn occasion.

   Synonyms: ceremonial, ritual

5. made in due legal or other express form, as a declaration or agreement.

   a solemn oath.

6. marked or observed with religious rites; having a religious character.

   a solemn holy day.

   Synonyms: sacred, devotional

7. uttered, prescribed, or made according to religious forms.

   a solemn ban on sacrifice.

solemn

/ ˈsɒləm /

adjective

1. characterized or marked by seriousness or sincerity

   a solemn vow

2. characterized by pomp, ceremony, or formality

3. serious, glum, or pompous

4. inspiring awe

   a solemn occasion

5. performed with religious ceremony

6. gloomy or sombre

   solemn colours

Other Word Forms

• solemnness noun
• solemnly adverb
• oversolemn adjective
• oversolemnness noun
• semisolemn adjective
• semisolemnness noun
• supersolemn adjective
• supersolemnness noun
• unsolemn adjective
• unsolemnness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of solemn¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English solem(p)ne, from Old French or directly from Late Latin sōlennis, sōlempnis, Latin sōlemnis, variant of sollemnis “consecrated, holy,” derivative of sollus “whole”

Word History and Origins

Origin of solemn¹

C14: from Old French solempne, from Latin sōllemnis appointed, perhaps from sollus whole

Synonym Study

See grave ².

Related Words

• dignified 
• earnest 
• funereal 
• glum 
• intense 
• pensive 
• portentous 
• reflective 
• sedate 
• sober 
• somber 
• stern 
• thoughtful 
• weighty