sol ‧ emn /ˈsɒləm $ ˈsɑː-/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: solemne , from Latin solemnis 'ceremonial, formal, solemn' ]
1 . very serious and not happy, for example because something bad has happened or because you are at an important occasion:
a solemn expression
Their faces suddenly grew solemn.
a solemn procession of mourners
2 . a solemn promise is one that is made very seriously and with no intention of breaking it:
a solemn vow
I’ll never be unfaithful again. I give you my solemn word.
3 . performed in a very serious way
solemn ritual/ceremony
—solemnly adverb
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THESAURUS
■ not joking
▪ serious not joking or laughing, or not pretending:
His voice sounded serious.
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They seem to be serious about their relationship.
▪ solemn very serious because of an important or sad occasion or ceremony:
My father looked solemn, the way grown-ups look at funerals.
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The judge read the verdict in a solemn voice.
▪ grave written quiet and very serious – used especially about the way people look when something important or worrying happens:
She consulted Doctor Staples and returned looking grave.
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He listened with a grave expression on his face.
▪ sombre British English ( also somber American English ) /ˈsɒmbə $ ˈsɑːmbər/ written sad, quiet, or serious because something unpleasant or worrying has happened or is going to happen:
They sat in sombre silence.
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The meeting began in a sombre mood.
▪ earnest very serious and sincere – often used about someone who is young and not very experienced:
He was a rather earnest-looking young man.
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‘That’s wrong,’ she said, her voice sounding very earnest.