Definitions for: Solemn


[adj] characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions; "both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate"; "an entirely sincere and cruel tyrant"; "a film with a solemn social message"
[adj] dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises; "a grave God-fearing man"; "a quiet sedate nature"; "as sober as a judge"; "a solemn promise"; "the judge was solemn as he pronounced sentence"



Webster (1913) Definition: Sol"emn, a. [OE. solempne, OF. solempne, L. solemnis,
solennis, sollemnis, sollennis; sollus all, entire + annus a
year; properly, that takes place every year; -- used
especially of religious solemnities. Cf. Silly, Annual.]
1. Marked with religious rites and pomps; enjoined by, or
connected with, religion; sacred.

His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned. --Milton.

The worship of this image was advanced, and a solemn
supplication observed everry year. --Bp.
Stillingfleet.

2. Pertaining to a festival; festive; festal. [Obs.] ``On
this solemn day.'' --Chaucer.

3. Stately; ceremonious; grand. [Archaic]

His feast so solemn and so rich. --Chaucer.

To-night we hold a splemn supper. --Shak.

4. Fitted to awaken or express serious reflections; marked by
seriousness; serious; grave; devout; as, a solemn promise;
solemn earnestness.

Nor wanting power to mitigate and swage With solemn
touches troubled thoughts. --Milton.

There reigned a solemn silence over all. --Spenser.

5. Real; earnest; downright. [Obs. & R.]

Frederick, the emperor, . . . has spared no expense
in strengthening this city; since which time we find
no solemn taking it by the Turks. --Fuller.

6. Affectedly grave or serious; as, to put on a solemn face.
``A solemn coxcomb.'' --Swift.

7. (Law) Made in form; ceremonious; as, solemn war;
conforming with all legal requirements; as, probate in
solemn form. --Burrill. --Jarman. --Greenleaf.

Solemn League and Covenant. See Covenant, 2.

Syn: Grave; formal; ritual; ceremonial; sober; serious;
reverential; devotional; devout. See Grave.

Synonyms: earnest, grave, in earnest(p), sedate, serious, sincere, sober

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