solemnize
SOL-uhm-nyz
/ˈsɒl.əm.naɪz/
To perform a formal religious or legal ceremony, especially that of marriage; to mark with dignity.
Primarily used in legal and religious contexts regarding the formal ratification of marriage vows.
The story behind the word. From Old French solemniser, rooted in Latin sollemnis (recurring annually with sacred rites). It combined sollus (whole) and annus (year), describing sacred annual religious rites.
Word relationships
- ratify: Ratify means to give legal approval to a document; solemnize means to perform the ceremonial act that makes it binding.
- celebrate: Celebrate emphasizes joy and party; solemnize emphasizes dignity and legal gravity.
- annul: Annul means to declare a ceremony or marriage legally invalid.
Commonly confused with
- solemn: Solemn is the adjective meaning serious or grave; solemnize is the verb to perform the binding ceremony.
Word family
- solemnization (noun): The formal performance of a religious or legal ceremony.
- solemnity (noun): The state of being serious and dignified.
Collocations
- solemnize a marriage
- solemnize a treaty
- authorized to solemnize
- solemnize vows
Example sentences
- "The minister was authorized by the state to solemnize the marriage in the county chapel." Legal
- "Diplomats met at the cathedral to solemnize the peace treaty ending thirty years of warfare." History
Memory hook
SOLEMNIZE makes a contract SOLEMN and legal. Make binding through formal ceremony.
When not to use
Do not use for casual parties or informal celebrations.
Fun facts
- Marriage certificates in many jurisdictions explicitly state that the official 'solemnized' the union.
Related words
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