Meaning & use
solemn
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Meanings
adjectivecomparable
Serious and quiet in manner, without joking, especially because something is important or sad.
Grammar: Before a noun or after a verb: a solemn face, the mood was solemn.
The students stood in solemn silence.
He gave a solemn nod and left the room.
Her voice was solemn as she read the names.
adjectivebefore a nounformal
Done sincerely and formally, as with a promise or ceremony.
Grammar: Used before nouns like oath, promise or vow: a solemn promise.
He made a solemn promise to return.
The witness took a solemn oath.
Word forms
| comparative | more solemn |
|---|---|
| superlative | most solemn |
Common combinations
- solemn promise
- She gave a solemn promise to keep the secret.
- solemn occasion
- The funeral was a solemn occasion.
- solemn oath
- He swore a solemn oath.
- solemn expression
- The doctor wore a solemn expression.
Synonyms and how they differ
- serious
- Serious is general and everyday, while solemn adds dignity, ceremony, or sadness.
- grave
- Grave suggests worry about weighty consequences.
- somber
- Somber suggests gloom or dark mood, not necessarily formality.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: solemn or sullen?
solemn vs sullen
Sullen means bad-tempered and silent in a resentful way, while solemn is serious and dignified.
Practice
At the memorial, everyone stood in ___ silence.
Choose one answer.
Solemn silence is quiet and respectful. The other adjectives do not suit a memorial.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “solemn”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.