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
- oversolemn adjective
- oversolemnness noun
- semisolemn adjective
- semisolemnness noun
- solemnly adverb
- solemnness noun
- supersolemn adjective
- supersolemnness noun
- unsolemn adjective
- unsolemnness noun
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”
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.
"There was a lot of people, it was very solemn, and there was a beautiful sermon about hope. At least let us have that: hope," said local churchgoer Jean-Claude.
From Barron's
In a year crowded with overwhelming headlines, the moment of the papal election felt slow, solemn and reflective.
In shades of today’s generational divide on college campuses, the younger Na’vi have an ethical disagreement with their elders about their rejection of an outcast whale, Payakan, who speaks in comically solemn subtitles.
From Los Angeles Times
The city has always been comfortable with contrast—old and new shoulder to shoulder, solemn tradition twisted into something unexpected without apology.
From Salon
It was not a time for solemn museums.
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.
