solemnity
Americannoun
noun
-
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
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of solemnity
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English solempnete, from Old French, from Latin sollemnitās; equivalent to solemn + -ity
Explanation
Put on a straight face when you think of the word solemnity; it is used for occasions that are all about seriousness and dignity. The word solemnity has been around since the fourteenth century helping people describe the mood of occasions ranging from funerals of beloved public figures to ceremonies welcoming United Nations dignitaries. This is the noun form of the adjective solemn, and you’ll often see it used with “of,” as in “the solemnity of the occasion called for hushed voices.”
Vocabulary lists containing solemnity
"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act I
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Purple Hibiscus
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"Rules of the Game" (from The Joy Luck Club) by Amy Tan
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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.
Pope Leo XIV celebrates a mass on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord in St Peter's Basilica, after closing the Holy Door, marking the end of the Jubilee year.
From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026
On Friday, Catholics will celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, a feast day meant for the faithful to reflect on God’s love for mankind.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2023
Solemnity turned into panic when fans tried to charge the gates of the mansion and the cemetery.
From New York Times • Jan. 22, 2023
The year will officially end on Nov. 20, the Solemnity of Christ the King, when Pope Francis will close the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica.
From Washington Times • Nov. 15, 2016
When dinner was over it was pretty late for going out again, and in any case the Solemnity would, keep all the Commensals busy, Shusgis said, until after midnight.
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
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.
