Main Entry: sol·emn

Pronunciation: \ˈsä-ləm\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English solempne, from Anglo-French, from Latin sollemnis regularly appointed, solemn

Date: 14th century

1 : marked by the invocation of a religious sanction <a solemn oath>
2 : marked by the observance of established form or ceremony; specifically : celebrated with full liturgical ceremony
3 a : awe-inspiring : sublime <solemn beauty> b : marked by grave sedateness and earnest sobriety <a solemn gathering> c : somber, gloomy <a solemn gray building>

synonyms see serious

— sol·emn·ly adverb

— sol·emn·ness noun