solemnize

American  

[sol-uhm-nahyz] / ˈsɒl əmˌnaɪz /

especially British, solemnise

verb (used with object)

solemnized, solemnizing

1. to perform the ceremony of (marriage).

2. to hold or perform (ceremonies, rites, etc.) in due manner.

3. to observe or commemorate with rites or ceremonies.

   to solemnize an occasion with prayer.

4. to go through with ceremony or formality.

5. to render solemn, serious, or grave; dignify.

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verb (used without object)

solemnized, solemnizing

1. to become solemn; conduct oneself with solemnity.

solemnize British  

/ ˈsɒləmˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to celebrate or observe with rites or formal ceremonies, as a religious occasion

2. to celebrate or perform the ceremony of (marriage)

3. to make solemn or serious

4. to perform or hold (ceremonies, etc) in due manner

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Other Word Forms

• solemnization noun
• solemnizer noun
• unsolemnized adjective

Etymology

Origin of solemnize

1350–1400; Middle English solempnise < Medieval Latin sōlemnizāre, equivalent to Latin sōlemnis solemn + -izāre -ize

Example Sentences

The Scottish Episcopal Church opened the door to solemnizing same-sex marriages in 2017, the Church of Scotland last May.

From Washington Post

At the same time, Mr. Bednar appeared to close the door to having same-sex unions solemnized in the church’s temple ceremonies for marriage and the “sealing” of families as eternal units.

From Washington Times

It’s a practice that in America has dated back to Colonial times when it was sometimes difficult to find a preacher to solemnize a marriage.

From Washington Times

The couple’s Nov. 29 marriage took place at the clerk’s office of the County of Nevada in Nevada City, Calif. Carrie McReynolds, the deputy commissioner of marriages, solemnized their license.

From New York Times

Leon P. Hammond, who was designated by the Salt Lake County clerk to solemnize the marriage, led the ceremony, which the couple had postponed in 2020 because of the coronavirus.

From New York Times