solemn

[ sol-uhm ]

adjective

1. grave, sober, or mirthless, as a person, the face, speech, tone, or mood:

   solemn remarks.

   Synonyms: unsmiling, serious

   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

Derived Forms

• ˈsolemnness, noun
• ˈsolemnly, adverb

Other Words From

• sol·emn·ly adverb
• sol·emn·ness noun
• o·ver·sol·emn adjective
• o·ver·sol·emn·ness noun
• sem·i·sol·emn adjective
• sem·i·sol·emn·ness noun
• su·per·sol·emn adjective
• su·per·sol·emn·ness noun
• un·sol·emn adjective
• un·sol·emn·ness 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

Making the role his own with his distinctive blend of solemn gravity and ironic urbanity, Parsons is the standout in the cast.

From Los Angeles Times

"Everybody in The Valley, all the youths, they're very upset. It's very solemn."

From BBC

Grave-faced cardinals, like Ross’ boys, turn their gaze heavenward, looking for a sign in “Conclave,” which, for a movie about the Vatican’s solemn electing of a new pope, feels a lot closer to the trashy fun of an episode of “The West Wing.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I have had the privilege of visiting Arlington National Cemetery several times. It is a solemn place; a place where we come together to honor American heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of this nation,” Harris shared on X. “It is not a place for politics.”

From Salon

Taylor Hoover’s father Darin Hoover shared that his family “asked the Trump team to take the videos” and that the event was “solemn” and respectful.

From Salon

Related Words

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