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

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

Before the burial, a "lovely" and "solemn" ceremony was held in which Send In The Clowns – written for Johns by legendary composer Stephen Sondheim – was played, said Chris Owen, minister of the chapel.

From BBC

Gomez, solemn and low-key — who one could not have foreseen becoming the fulcrum in a May-December comedy trio — provides the perfect balance.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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