What does "solemn" mean?
Of or pertaining to religious ceremonies and rites; (generally) religious in nature; sacred.
Solemn
/ˈsɒləm/ adj
adj ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Of or pertaining to religious ceremonies and rites; (generally) religious in nature; sacred.
- Grammar: solemn is listed as adj.
- Nearest alternatives: earnest, grave, admiring, adorant.
- Useful contrasts: peppy, witty, acerbic.
- Usage evidence: The priest pretends to be solemn in public.
How to use "solemn"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "solemn" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "solemn" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "solemn" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "solemn" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "solemn" is acting as adj in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "earnest" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "solemn", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adjective
- 1 Of or pertaining to religious ceremonies and rites; (generally) religious in nature; sacred. specifically
- 2 Characterized by or performed with appropriate or great ceremony or formality. broadly
"Whereas the accentuated linearism, the angular stylization of the folds, the rhythmical course of the outlining and the solemn frontality conjoined with an air of regality in the pose seem to recall the formal repertory of the Corbolinus Master and his group […]"
- 3 Deeply serious and sombre; grave. broadly
- 4 Inspiring serious feelings or thoughts; sombrely impressive. broadly
- 5 Cheerless, gloomy, sombre. broadly, obsolete
Adjective
- 1 characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions wordnet
- 2 dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises wordnet
Example
"The priest pretends to be solemn in public."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "solemn"?
Common synonyms include: earnest, grave, admiring, adorant, adoring, apotheosizing.
How do you use "solemn" in a sentence?
The priest pretends to be solemn in public.
How do you pronounce "solemn"?
Pronounced /ˈsɒləm/.
Etymology
From Middle English solempne, solemne (“performed with religious ceremony or reverence; devoted to religious observances, sacred; ceremonious, formal; of a vow: made under a religious sanction, binding; religious celebration, celebration of a feast day; famous, well-known; important; grand, imposing; awe-inspiring, impressive; grave, serious; dignified; enunciated or held formally”) [and other forms], from Old French solempne, solemne (“serious, solemn”) [and other forms], or from its etymon Late Latin sōlempnis, sōlennis, from Latin sōlemnis, from sollemnis (“appointed, established, fixed; common, customary, ordinary, ritual, traditional, usual; ceremonial, religious, solemn; festive; annual, yearly”) [and other forms]. The further etymology is uncertain; sollus (“entire, whole”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *solh₂- (“whole”)) + epulum (“banquet, feast”) (in the sense of a ritual; perhaps ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₁ed- (“to eat”)) has been suggested.