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
Synonym Usage
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.
Far from the solemn pomp of the Vatican, nestled under the arcades of the mountain town of Santarcangelo di Romagna, a tailor clad all in black leaned over his sketch.
From Barron's ● Aug. 22, 2026
All the masked characters up on stage agree that action is urgent, and the call is repeated with solemn agreement.
From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026
The observances began with a solemn ceremony attended by congressional colleagues and JD Vance in the Capitol Rotunda.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
I’d change into play clothes, take my bowl and begin the solemn work of crushing an obscene number of crackers into the carrot-flecked broth until the spoon could nearly stand upright.
From Salon ● Jul. 14, 2026
“Teddy is a remarkable boy, and can’t be taken as a sample of other boys,” said Amy, in a tone of solemn conviction, which would have convulsed the ‘remarkable boy’ if he had heard it.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
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.
