SOLEMN

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does solemn mean? 

• SOLEMN (adjective)
  The adjective SOLEMN has 2 senses:

1. dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

2. characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

  Familiarity information: SOLEMN used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SOLEMN (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

Synonyms:

grave; sedate; sober; solemn

Context example:

the judge was solemn as he pronounced sentence

Similar:

serious (concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities)

Derivation:

solemness; solemnity (a trait of dignified seriousness)

solemnity (a solemn and dignified feeling)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

Synonyms:

earnest; sincere; solemn

Context example:

a film with a solemn social message

Similar:

serious (concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities)

Derivation:

solemnity (a trait of dignified seriousness)

solemnity (a solemn and dignified feeling)

 Context examples 

So as we all took hands our solemn compact was made.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

They insisted, therefore, that I should engage with a solemn promise that if the vessel should be freed I would instantly direct my course southwards.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

On the 6th of May, 1709, I took a solemn leave of his majesty, and all my friends.

(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)

“Sir James, sir!” said he with solemn face.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Our thoughts were deep and solemn, and we spoke to each other scarcely above whispers.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

At their head rode a very large and solemn man with a long chin and a drooping lip.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

And what meaning is that in their solemn depth?

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

How shall I ever forget the solemn mystery of it?

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

But history, real solemn history, I cannot be interested in.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

Mr. Dashwood's strains were more solemn.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)