solemn
gb/sˈɑləm/ us/sˈɑləm/
B2
English
~ 2000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
B2
property
1
Serious and respectful in manner
Looking or sounding very serious and showing respect.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is solemn
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'solemn' with 'silent'. 'Solemn' means serious and respectful, not simply quiet.
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'.)
Collocations
solemn ceremony
|solemn promise
|solemn expression
|solemn moment
|solemn duty
Themes
emotions
|social
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The judge spoke in a solemn voice as he delivered the verdict.
- They held a solemn ceremony to honor the fallen soldiers.
- 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.
- It was a solemn day for the whole town.
- He gave me a solemn promise.
- Her eyes were solemn as she spoke.
- The meeting ended in a solemn silence.
adjective
formal
B2
property
2
Formal and dignified in style or manner
Formal and serious in style or way of doing something.
Usage pattern:
[event/occasion] is solemn
Synonyms
ceremonial (Emphasizes the ritual or formal aspect without necessarily implying seriousness.)
Antonyms
informal (Casual and relaxed without ceremony or dignity.)
Collocations
solemn occasion
|solemn ritual
|solemn procession
Themes
social
|culture
|core_vocabulary
|politics
|religion
Examples
- The graduation was a solemn occasion for all involved.
- They marched in a solemn procession through the streets.
- The ambassador attended a solemn reception at the palace.
Learner examples
- The wedding was a solemn event.
- We walked in a solemn line into the hall.
- It was a solemn ceremony at the school.
adjective
formal
B2
property
3
Formally binding and serious (promise/vow)
Very serious and important, often because of law or promise.
Usage pattern:
a solemn [promise/oath/vow/agreement]
Synonyms
binding (Focuses on legal or moral obligation rather than tone or manner.)
Antonyms
nonbinding (Not legally or morally enforceable.)
Collocations
solemn oath
|solemn vow
|solemn agreement
Themes
law
|ethics
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He took a solemn oath to uphold the constitution.
- They entered into a solemn agreement to protect the environment.
- She made a solemn vow never to reveal the secret.
Learner examples
- He made a solemn promise to help her.
- They signed a solemn agreement.
- She gave a solemn oath in court.
Grammar
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.