solemn
gb/sˈɑləm/ us/sˈɑləm/
B2
English
~ 2000
ünnepélyes, komoly, méltóságteljes
B2
FORMAL
1
ünnepélyes
B1
komoly
A2
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is solemn
The judge spoke in a solemn voice as he delivered the verdict.
A bíró komoly, ünnepélyes hangon mondta ki az ítéletet.
They held a solemn ceremony to honor the fallen soldiers.
Ünnepélyes megemlékezést tartottak az elesett katonák tiszteletére.
Her face was solemn during the memorial service.
He made a solemn vow to protect the truth.
The atmosphere grew solemn as the news spread.
Learner examples
The teacher looked solemn when she gave us the news.
A tanár komoly arccal nézett ránk, amikor közölte velünk a hírt.
It was a solemn day for the whole town.
Az egész város számára komoly, ünnepélyes hangulatú nap volt.
He gave me a solemn promise.
Her eyes were solemn as she spoke.
The meeting ended in a solemn silence.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'solemn' with 'silent'. 'Solemn' means serious and respectful, not simply quiet.
Meaning
Serious and respectful in manner
Collocations
solemn ceremony
|solemn promise
|solemn expression
|solemn moment
|solemn duty
Synonyms
serious (More general; can refer to any non-playful state without necessarily implying respect or formality.)
|
grave (Often suggests a heavier, more somber tone than 'solemn'.)
Antonyms
casual (Light, informal, and lacking seriousness or formality.)
|
playful (Full of fun and lightheartedness; the opposite mood of 'solemn'.)
Themes
emotions
|social
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Looking or sounding very serious and showing respect.
Characterized by deep seriousness and formal respect, especially in behavior, speech, or appearance.
B2
FORMAL
2
ünnepélyes
B1
Usage pattern:
[event/occasion] is solemn
The graduation was a solemn occasion for all involved.
A diplomaosztó minden érintett számára ünnepélyes alkalom volt.
They marched in a solemn procession through the streets.
Ünnepélyes menetben vonultak végig az utcákon.
The ambassador attended a solemn reception at the palace.
Learner examples
The wedding was a solemn event.
Az esküvő ünnepélyes esemény volt.
We walked in a solemn line into the hall.
Ünnepélyes sorban vonultunk be a terembe.
It was a solemn ceremony at the school.
Meaning
Formal and dignified in style or manner
Collocations
solemn occasion
|solemn ritual
|solemn procession
Synonyms
ceremonial (Emphasizes the ritual or formal aspect without necessarily implying seriousness.)
Antonyms
informal (Casual and relaxed without ceremony or dignity.)
Themes
social
|culture
|core_vocabulary
|politics
|religion
Definition
Formal and serious in style or way of doing something.
Marked by formal dignity, often in ceremonies or official occasions.
B2
FORMAL
3
ünnepélyes
B1
Usage pattern:
a solemn [promise/oath/vow/agreement]
He took a solemn oath to uphold the constitution.
Ünnepélyes esküt tett arra, hogy betartja és megvédi az alkotmányt.
They entered into a solemn agreement to protect the environment.
Ünnepélyes megállapodást kötöttek a környezet védelméről.
She made a solemn vow never to reveal the secret.
Learner examples
He made a solemn promise to help her.
Ünnepélyes ígéretet tett, hogy segít neki.
They signed a solemn agreement.
Ünnepélyes megállapodást írtak alá.
She gave a solemn oath in court.
Meaning
Formally binding and serious (promise/vow)
Collocations
solemn oath
|solemn vow
|solemn agreement
Synonyms
binding (Focuses on legal or moral obligation rather than tone or manner.)
Antonyms
nonbinding (Not legally or morally enforceable.)
Themes
law
|ethics
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Very serious and important, often because of law or promise.
Having great moral or legal force because of being made seriously and with formality.
Grammar
Dictionary form
solemn
IPA
GB/sˈɑləm/
US/sˈɑləm/
Syllables & stress
sol - emn (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (sol)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: solemn
Word family
Expressions
solemn ceremony
1/sˈɑləm sˈɛɹɪmˌoʊni/
fixed phrase
formal
Formal serious event or ritual
A formal event that is very serious and respectful.
Examples
- The memorial was marked by a solemn ceremony.
- They held a solemn ceremony at the monument.
solemn oath
1/sˈɑləm ˈoʊθ/
fixed phrase
formal
Formal serious declaration or vow
A very serious and formal statement that you will do something or that something is true.
Examples
- He swore a solemn oath before the court.
- They took a solemn oath to serve their country.
solemn promise
1/sˈɑləm pɹˈɑməs/
fixed phrase
formal
A serious, formal commitment
A very serious promise that you must keep.
Examples
- She made a solemn promise never to lie again.
- The leader gave a solemn promise to protect his people.