adjective
Uncommon
solemn
SO-luhm
Solemn (adjective) means Deeply serious, dignified, and free of humor, especially in formal or ceremonial settings. Example: “The judge wore a solemn expression as she read the verdict.”
adjective
1
Deeply serious, dignified, and free of humor, especially in formal or ceremonial settings.
"The judge wore a solemn expression as she read the verdict."
"The soldiers observed a solemn moment of silence for the fallen."
How to use solemn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSerious, grave, and formal — often used for ceremonies, promises, or moments that call for respect.
Common pairings
solemn promise
solemn occasion
solemn vow
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like solemn.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- solemner, more solemn
- Superlative
- solemnest, most solemn
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The judge wore a _____ expression as she read the verdict.
Etymology
From Old French solempne, from Latin sollemnis ("customary, ceremonial, sacred"), from sollus ("whole, entire").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “solemn” mean?
The word “solemn” means deeply serious, dignified, and free of humor, especially in formal or ceremonial settings. In plain terms, serious, grave, and formal — often used for ceremonies, promises, or moments that call for respect.
How do you pronounce “solemn”?
“Solemn” is pronounced SO-luhm (/ˈsɑləm/ in IPA).
How do you use “solemn” in a sentence?
Here is “solemn” used in a sentence: “The judge wore a solemn expression as she read the verdict.”
What part of speech is “solemn”?
“Solemn” is an adjective.
Where does the word “solemn” come from?
The word “solemn” comes from Latin. From Old French solempne, from Latin sollemnis ("customary, ceremonial, sacred"), from sollus ("whole, entire").
Is “solemn” a common word?
“Solemn” is an uncommon word in modern English.
