solemn
SOL-uhm
/ˈsɒləm/
Formal, dignified, and serious, often marked by deep sincerity or grave religious gravity.
Describes tone, occasions, or expressions that are quiet, formal, and free of levity.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'sollemnis', meaning 'established, sacred, or marked with religious rites' (originally relating to fixed annual religious festivals). It evolved in Old French to mean 'dignified and devout'.
Word relationships
- grave: Grave implies heaviness and danger or extreme seriousness.
- somber: Somber highlights dark, gloomy, or shadowy emotional mood.
- frivolous: Not having any serious purpose or value.
- cheerful: Noticeably happy and optimistic.
Commonly confused with
- sullen: Sullen means bad-tempered, resentful, and silent; solemn means grand, respectful, and serious.
Word family
- solemnity (noun): The state or quality of being serious and dignified.
- solemnly (adverb): In a serious and dignified manner.
Collocations
- solemn silence
- solemn vow
- solemn occasion
- solemn duty
Example sentences
- "A solemn silence fell over the room as the casket was brought inside." Atmosphere at funeral
- "He made a solemn vow to carry on his mother's charity work." Formal promise
Memory hook
SOL (sole, single) + HYMN. Like singing a quiet, serious hymn alone. Dignified, serious, and deeply sincere.
When not to use
Do not use merely to mean 'sad' or 'unhappy'; a solemn event is grand, formal, and serious.
Fun facts
- The silent 'n' at the end of 'solemn' reappears phonetically when you add '-ity' to make 'solemnity'.
Related words
Also appears in
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