I. ˈsäləm sometimes ˈsȯl- adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English solempne, solemne, from Middle French, from Latin sollennis, solennis, sollemnis, solemnis regularly appointed, festive, solemn, probably from sollus whole, entire (from Oscan; akin to Greek holos entire) + -ennis (from annus year) — more at safe , annual
1.
a. : marked by or performed, made, or uttered under circumstances that indicate a full and sober realization and acceptance of all that is involved and usually accompanied by a specific religious sanction
took a solemn oath on the Bible
a solemn dedication to the cause of freedom
b. : made in due and proper form and so as to be legally binding : conforming to all legal requirements
a solemn writ
solemn instruments
made solemn affidavit
a solemn declaration
2.
a. archaic , of a day or season : given over to the performance of special rites or ceremonies usually of a religious character
b. : carried out in accord with accepted religious forms or rites
a solemn blessing
a solemn curse
c. : observed or celebrated with unusual pomp and ceremony and usually after a pattern established by liturgy or tradition
a solemn festival
specifically : distinguished from other services by being celebrated with full liturgy
a solemn high mass
solemn complines
3. obsolete
a. : sumptuous , splendid
b. : notable , distinguished
4.
a. : notable for marked ceremony and formality : characterized by pomp, dignity, and elaborate attention to form
a solemn state dinner
b. obsolete : being such in full form : conforming to what is usual in the thing specified
5.
a. : of a kind fitted to excite serious reflections or exalted emotions : awe-inspiring , sublime
these solemn scenes
b. : marked by grave sobriety and earnest serious sedateness : free from casualness or lighthearted levity
the audience grew solemn
at this solemn moment
spoke in a solemn and thoughtful manner
c. : of a serious nature : involving responsibility and strict adherence to duty imposed
staked his life on the fulfilling of this solemn charge
children are a solemn responsibility to their parents
6. : somber , gloomy
a suit of solemn black
Synonyms: see ceremonial , serious
II. adverb
: solemnly