SOLEMNIZE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does solemnize mean? 

• SOLEMNIZE (verb)
  The verb SOLEMNIZE has 3 senses:

1. observe or perform with dignity or gravity

2. perform (the wedding ceremony) with proper ceremonies

3. make solemn and grave

  Familiarity information: SOLEMNIZE used as a verb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SOLEMNIZE (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they solemnize    ... he / she / it solemnizes   
Past simple: solemnized   
Past participle: solemnized   
-ing form: solemnizing   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Observe or perform with dignity or gravity

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Synonyms:

solemnise; solemnize

Context example:

The King solemnized this day of morning

Hypernyms (to "solemnize" is one way to...):

celebrate; keep; observe (behave as expected during of holidays or rites)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

solemnization (the public performance of a sacrament or solemn ceremony with all appropriate ritual)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Perform (the wedding ceremony) with proper ceremonies

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Synonyms:

solemnise; solemnize

Hypernyms (to "solemnize" is one way to...):

marry; splice; tie; wed (perform a marriage ceremony)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

solemnization (the public performance of a sacrament or solemn ceremony with all appropriate ritual)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Make solemn and grave

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Synonyms:

solemnise; solemnize

Context example:

This ceremony solemnized our hearts

Hypernyms (to "solemnize" is one way to...):

alter; change; modify (cause to change; make different; cause a transformation)

Sentence frames:

Something ----s somebody
Something ----s something

 Context examples 

“There are two very good reasons why she should, under no circumstances, be his wife. In the first place, we are very safe in questioning Mr. Williamson’s right to solemnize a marriage.”

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Then the wedding was solemnized with young Mr Fox, and there was much rejoicing and dancing; and if they have not left off, they are dancing still.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

But just as the wedding was going to be solemnized, old Mr Fox stirred under the bench, and cudgelled all the rabble, and drove them and Mrs Fox out of the house.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)