solemn
Americanadjective
-
grave, sober, or mirthless, as a person, the face, speech, tone, or mood.
solemn remarks.
- Antonyms:
- humorous
-
gravely or somberly impressive; causing serious thoughts or a grave mood.
solemn music.
- Antonyms:
- trivial
-
serious or earnest.
solemn assurances.
-
characterized by dignified or serious formality, as proceedings; of a formal or ceremonious character.
a solemn occasion.
- Synonyms:
- ceremonial, ritual
-
made in due legal or other express form, as a declaration or agreement.
a solemn oath.
-
marked or observed with religious rites; having a religious character.
a solemn holy day.
- Synonyms:
- sacred, devotional
-
uttered, prescribed, or made according to religious forms.
a solemn ban on sacrifice.
adjective
-
characterized or marked by seriousness or sincerity
a solemn vow
-
characterized by pomp, ceremony, or formality
-
serious, glum, or pompous
-
inspiring awe
a solemn occasion
-
performed with religious ceremony
-
gloomy or sombre
solemn colours
Related Words
See grave 2.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of solemn
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”
Explanation
If you’ve ever attended a funeral, you were probably struck by how quiet, earnest, and solemn the mood was. You can use the word solemn to describe anything that's really serious and dignified. The adjective solemn comes from the Latin sollemnis, which means formal or ceremonial. You can still use it to describe a ceremony or event, but it's also a good word for talking about someone who's serious and sincere and maybe lacks a sense of humor about certain things. Here's a trick for remembering it: Think of a "sole man," a serious guy standing alone at a party talking to no one.
Vocabulary lists containing solemn
List 2
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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"China has repeatedly made clear its solemn position. The most urgent task is to do everything to avoid the resumption of conflict, not to use the conflict to... maliciously smear other countries."
From Barron's • May 11, 2026
While it’s meant to be a solemn moment, was that uncomfortable for you as a comedian?
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026
That impulsiveness also manifests itself in "violations" of diplomatic protocol and solemn military ceremonies, Rowland said.
From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026
Far fewer know that Abraham Lincoln told his cabinet that he had made a solemn promise to his “Maker” to issue the proclamation.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
I saw his solemn eye melt with sudden fire, and flicker with resistless emotion.
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
