Meaning & use

solemn

adjective·Academic

Formal and serious in manner, especially on an important or dignified occasion.

See it in a sentence

The soldiers stood in solemn silence during the memorial ceremony.

She made a solemn promise to visit her grandmother every weekend.

A note on using this word

Solemn suits ceremonies, oaths, and expressions of deep respect; using it for everyday seriousness can sound overly formal.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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