— solemnly , adv. — solemnness , n.
/sol"euhm/ , adj.
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.
[ 1275-1325; ME solem ( p ) ne ( solennis, solempnis, L solemnis, var. of sollemnis consecrated, holy, deriv. of sollus whole ]
Syn. 1. unsmiling, serious. See grave 2 . 2. august, imposing, stately. 4. ritual, ceremonial. 6. devotional, sacred.
Ant. 1. humorous. 2. trivial.