solemn
The definition of solemn is something that is done formally or according to tradition.
(adjective)An example of solemn is always getting together at the same person's house for Thanksgiving.
Solemn means someone or something serious, sincere or impressive.
(adjective)- An example of solemn is how someone's face looks when worried about a sick friend.
- An example of solemn is making a serious promise to someone.
See solemn in Webster's New World College Dictionary
adjective
- observed or done according to ritual or tradition: said esp. of religious holidays, rites, etc.
- sacred in character
- according to strict form; formal: a solemn ceremony
- serious or grave: a solemn face
- deeply earnest; very sincere: a solemn oath
- very impressive or arousing feelings of awe because of its great importance or seriousness: a solemn occasion
- somber because dark in color
Origin: ME solemne < OFr < L sollemnis, sollennis, yearly, annual, hence religious, solemn (from assoc. with annual religious festivals) < sollus, all, entire < Oscan, akin to L salvus (see safe) + ? annus, year
Related Forms:
- solemnly adverb
- solemnness noun
See solemn in American Heritage Dictionary 4
adjective
- Deeply earnest, serious, and sober.
- Somberly or gravely impressive. See Synonyms at serious.
- Performed with full ceremony: a solemn High Mass.
- Invoking the force of religion; sacred: a solemn vow.
- Gloomy; somber.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English solemne
Origin: , from Old French
Origin: , from Latin sollemnis, established, customary; see sol- in Indo-European roots
.Related Forms:
- solˈemn·ly adverb
- solˈemn·ness noun
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