Dictionary.com
definitions

solemnity

[suh-lem-ni-tee]
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR solemnity ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural so·lem·ni·ties.

the state or character of being solemn; earnestness; gravity; impressiveness: the solemnity of a state funeral.
Often solemnities. a solemn observance, ceremonial proceeding, or special formality: the solemnities of Easter.
Law. a formality that renders an act or document valid.

RELATED CONTENT

The Day After Halloween Is Actually Called HallowmasHalloween is actually just the beginning of a string of otherworldly holidays. The tricks, treats, and customs of Halloween, now mostly secular, are based in part on an ancient Christian festival that spans November 1st and 2nd. 
READ MORE
Where Did The ‘Een’ In Halloween Come From?Halloween is primarily marked by putting on a disguise and asking for candy, but Halloween has its roots in at least two Medieval celebrations ...
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

seriousness, earnestness, gravity, ceremony, impressiveness

Nearby words

  1. solemn high mass,
  2. solemn league and covenant,
  3. solemn mass,
  4. solemn vow,
  5. solemnify,
  6. solemnization,
  7. solemnize,
  8. solemnly,
  9. solenette,
  10. solenocyte

Origin of solemnity

1250–1300; Middle English solempnete < Old French < Latin sollemnitās, equivalent to sollemnis solemn + -itās- -ity
Related formso·ver·so·lem·ni·ty, nounsem·i·so·lem·ni·ty, nounsu·per·so·lem·ni·ty, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for solemnity

British Dictionary definitions for solemnity

solemnity

noun plural -ties

the state or quality of being solemn
(often plural) solemn ceremony, observance, celebration, etc
law a formality necessary to validate a deed, act, contract, etc
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for solemnity

solemnity

n.

c.1300, "observance of ceremony," from Old French solemnite, solempnete "celebration, high festival, church ceremony" and directly from Latin solemnitatem (nominative solemnitas) "a solemnity," from sollemnis (see solemn). Meaning "state of being solemn" is from 1712. Related: Solemnities.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper