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solemn

 - 2 dictionary results

sol⋅emn

  [sol-uhm]
Use solemn in a Sentence
–adjective
1. grave, sober, or mirthless, as a person, the face, speech, tone, or mood: solemn remarks.
2. gravely or somberly impressive; causing serious thoughts or a grave mood: solemn music.
3. serious or earnest: solemn assurances.
4. characterized by dignified or serious formality, as proceedings; of a formal or ceremonious character: a solemn occasion.
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.
7. uttered, prescribed, or made according to religious forms: a solemn ban on sacrifice.
Origin:
1275–1325; ME solem(p)ne (< OF) < LL sōlennis, sōlempnis, L sōlemnis, var. of sollemnis consecrated, holy, deriv. of sollus whole

Related forms:
sol⋅emn⋅ly, adverb
sol⋅emn⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. unsmiling, serious. See grave 2 . 2. august, imposing, stately. 4. ritual, ceremonial. 6. devotional, sacred.

Antonyms:
1. humorous. 2. trivial.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To solemn
sol·emn   (sŏl'əm)   
adj.  

  1. Deeply earnest, serious, and sober.

  2. Somberly or gravely impressive. See Synonyms at serious.

  3. Performed with full ceremony: a solemn High Mass.

  4. Invoking the force of religion; sacred: a solemn vow.

  5. Gloomy; somber.


[Middle English solemne, from Old French, from Latin sollemnis, established, customary; see sol- in Indo-European roots.]
sol'emn·ly adv., sol'emn·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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