solemn Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises
    sober; sedate; grave.
    • a grave God-fearing man
    • a quiet sedate nature
    • as sober as a judge
    • a solemn promise
    • the judge was solemn as he pronounced sentence
  2. adjective satellite characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
    earnest; sincere.
    • both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate
    • an entirely sincere and cruel tyrant
    • a film with a solemn social message

WordNet

Sol"emn adjective
Etymology
OE. solempne, OF. solempne, L. solemnis, solennis, sollemnis, sollennis; sollus all, entire + annus a year; properly, that takes place every year; -- used especially of religious solemnities. Cf. Silly, Annual.
Definitions
  1. Marked with religious rites and pomps; enjoined by, or connected with, religion; sacred.
    His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned. Milton.
    The worship of this image was advanced, and a solemn supplication observed everry year. Bp. Stillingfleet.
  2. Pertaining to a festival; festive; festal. Obs. "On this solemn day." Chaucer.
  3. Stately; ceremonious; grand. Archaic
    His feast so solemn and so rich. Chaucer.
    To-night we hold a splemn supper. Shak.
  4. Fitted to awaken or express serious reflections; marked by seriousness; serious; grave; devout; as, a solemn promise; solemn earnestness.
    Nor wanting power to mitigate and swage With solemn touches troubled thoughts. Milton.
    There reigned a solemn silence over all. Spenser.
  5. Real; earnest; downright. Obs. & R.
    Frederick, the emperor, . . . has spared no expense in strengthening this city; since which time we find no solemn taking it by the Turks. Fuller.
  6. Affectedly grave or serious; as, to put on a solemn face. "A solemn coxcomb." Swift.
  7. (Law) Made in form; ceremonious; as, solemn war; conforming with all legal requirements; as, probate in solemn form. Burrill. Jarman. Greenleaf. Syn. -- Grave; formal; ritual; ceremonial; sober; serious; reverential; devotional; devout. See Grave.

Webster 1913