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View synonyms for

solemn

[sol-uhm]

adjective

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

    solemn remarks.

    Synonyms: ,
    Antonyms:
  2. gravely or somberly impressive; causing serious thoughts or a grave mood.

    solemn music.

    Synonyms: , ,
    Antonyms:
  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: ,
  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: ,
  7. uttered, prescribed, or made according to religious forms.

    a solemn ban on sacrifice.



solemn

/ ˈɒə /

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

“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
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Other Word Forms

  • solemnly adverb
  • solemnness noun
  • oversolemn adjective
  • oversolemnness noun
  • semisolemn adjective
  • semisolemnness noun
  • supersolemn adjective
  • supersolemnness noun
  • unsolemn adjective
  • unsolemnness noun
  • ˈDZ𳾲ԲԱ noun
  • ˈDZ𳾲Ա adverb
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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 ō𳾲Ծ, variant of sollemnis “consecrated, holy,” derivative of sollus “wDZ”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of solemn1

C14: from Old French solempne, from Latin ō𳾲Ծ appointed, perhaps from sollus whole
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Synonym Study

See grave 2.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“This heartbreaking loss is a solemn reminder of the risk officers take every day when protecting their community,” McDonnell said in a statement.

From

Be solemn when it’s a day for mourning.

From

I love the open of our show because it’s sets just the right tone so solemn and self important and and also vicious towards me.

From

He wears a large cross around his neck, and has his finger held up, with a solemn facial expression.

From

A local festival not far from Shahid Rajee Port that was supposed to be a celebration spontaneously turned into a solemn occasion for remembering the dead and praying for the injured.

From

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solelySolemn High Mass