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

• solemnly adverb
• solemnness noun
• 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.

Example Sentences

She appeared solemn during the hearing, at one point reportedly lifting her cuffed hand to wipe away a tear, and left without talking to reporters.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Much of the public wanted a different take on war - and one that challenged solemn pieties at the heart of Official Remembrance.

Read more on BBC

King Charles led the annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations, laying a wreath at the solemn ceremony held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in central London.

Read more on BBC

His small service will be in stark contrast to the large, solemn ceremony at the Cenotaph in London.

Read more on BBC

Every four years the people as a whole make a solemn national decision as to the person whom they trust to make these prudential judgments.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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