solemnness

Variant of solemn

solemn definition

sol·emn (säl′əm)

adjective

    1. observed or done according to ritual or tradition: said esp. of religious holidays, rites, etc.
    2. sacred in character
  2. according to strict form; formal a solemn ceremony
    1. serious or grave a solemn face
    2. deeply earnest; very sincere a solemn oath
  4. very impressive or arousing feelings of awe because of its great importance or seriousness a solemn occasion
  5. somber because dark in color

Etymology: 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:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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