solemnity

so·lem·ni·ty

noun \sə-ˈlem-nə-tē\

plural so·lem·ni·ties

Definition of SOLEMNITY

1

: formal or ceremonious observance of an occasion or event

2

: a solemn event or occasion

3

: a solemn condition or quality <the solemnity of his words>

Examples of SOLEMNITY

1. the solemnity of the occasion
2. Her voice conveyed the solemnity of the passage.
3. The visiting statesman was welcomed with appropriate solemnity.
4. Elaborate solemnities marked the 100th anniversary of the event.

First Known Use of SOLEMNITY

14th century

Related to SOLEMNITY

Synonyms

earnest, graveness, gravity, intentness, serious-mindedness, seriousness, soberness, sobriety, earnestness, solemnness, staidness

Antonyms

facetiousness, flightiness, flippancy, frivolity, frivolousness, levity, lightheartedness, lightness, play, unseriousness

Related Words

gravitas, humorlessness; decisiveness, deliberation, determination, firmness, purposefulness, resoluteness, resolve; absorption, attentiveness, concentration, engrossment, enthrallment, immersion, intensity

Near Antonyms

lightness, shallowness, superficiality; dalliance, dilettantism; cheerfulness, gaiety (also gayety), glee, high-spiritedness, merriment, mirth

Rhymes with SOLEMNITY

indemnity