solemn

USAGE SUMMARY

'solemn' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that typically means serious or significant. Example sentence: The judge delivered the solemn ruling amid a hushed courtroom.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Birdman, arguably, has a solemn dimension to it, but not really The Grand Budapest Hotel, despite being inspired by a writer (Stefan Zweig) who famously committed suicide in despair at the rise of the Nazis.

The Guardian - Film

This is not just a breach of the solemn and absolute prohibition of torture to which the US has committed itself in international treaties: it is a terrible political and moral mistake.

The Guardian

Aguilar received him from the military when he was probably only a few days old and handed him over to the Hurbans, to raise as their own, with a solemn warning never to tell anyone the truth.

The Guardian

We should swim up to the light, and make a solemn oath that we will retain our integrity, our vision and our backbone.

The Guardian

He need not say that on such occasions the solemn services of the Church were performed in a slovenly, irregular and indecent manner … The owners of private grounds closed by the government were not inclined to go quietly; they were, after all, losing the entirety of their business.

The Guardian

JR In an age of solemn menus listing where every ingredient lived and died, John Broadley's idiosyncratic work for Quo Vadis is to be treasured.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A Scattering, though, is not merely a solemn elegy.

The Guardian - Books

Denis MacShane, the Europe minister, claimed: "It is now Conservative party policy to pass national legislation which would mean Britain would be in breach of its solemn European Union treaty obligations as legislated by parliament.

The Guardian

Pass the lamingtons... Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 7.51pm AtST08:51 At eight, it's another Aussie, Matt Corby, with the solemn, stately (and just a bit boring) Resolution.

The Guardian

I missed the first two of those but I certainly remember Churchill's funeral: a truly solemn event in which we felt we were marking not just the death of a political leader but a turning point in the national story.

The Guardian

At the time, it looked like he was thanking the crowd for their solemn applause.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight of "solemn"; it can add a touch of gravitas to your writing, making it suitable for serious topics or situations.

Common error

Avoid using "solemn" in casual or lighthearted contexts. Its serious connotation can make your writing sound overly dramatic or inappropriate. Opt for a more fitting word like "serious" or "earnest" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "solemn" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something characterized by deep sincerity, formality, and seriousness, as shown in examples from Ludwig. It enhances the meaning of the noun by adding a layer of gravity and reverence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solemn" functions as an adjective used to describe something deeply serious, formal, and reverent. Ludwig AI validates it as grammatically correct and highly usable in English. Its primary contexts are in news and media, as well as formal and business settings. When considering alternatives, prioritize words like "serious", "grave", or "somber" depending on the intended nuance. When writing with "solemn", ensure the context warrants its serious tone and avoid overuse in lighthearted situations. While "solemn" is valuable for conveying gravity, choose it deliberately to achieve the desired effect in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious

Implies a lack of levity or humor; less suggestive of ceremony or formality than "solemn".

grave

Indicates deep seriousness, often related to potential danger or negative consequences, with a stronger sense of foreboding than "solemn".

somber

Suggests a dark or depressing mood; focuses more on emotional tone than the formal or ceremonial aspects of "solemn".

dignified

Emphasizes stateliness and decorum, rather than sadness or warning.

ceremonial

Focuses on ritualistic or formal aspects, potentially lacking the overtone of gravity of “solemn”.

formal

Highlights adherence to established conventions and protocols, without necessarily implying seriousness or sadness.

earnest

Indicates sincerity and seriousness of purpose, often lacking the overtone of gravity of “solemn”.

staid

Suggests settledness, seriousness and respectability; lacking the formality or sadness of "solemn".

pensive

Implies thoughtfulness, often with a tinge of sadness; differs from "solemn" by focusing on contemplation rather than formality or gravity.

austere

Highlights severity and strictness, potentially lacking the overtone of sadness of “solemn”.

FAQs

How can I use "solemn" in a sentence?

You can use "solemn" to describe events, promises, or individuals that are characterized by deep seriousness or formality. For example, "The funeral was a solemn occasion" or "He made a "solemn vow" to uphold the law".

What words can I use instead of "solemn"?

Alternatives to "solemn" include "serious", "grave", "somber", and "dignified", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "solemn" and "serious"?

"Solemn" implies a formal or ceremonial gravity, often with a hint of sadness or reverence. "Serious" is more general and simply indicates a lack of levity or humor. A situation can be serious without being solemn, but a solemn event is almost always serious.

Is it correct to use "solemn" to describe a person?

Yes, you can describe a person as "solemn" if they consistently exhibit a serious and thoughtful demeanor. It suggests they are not prone to frivolity and take matters seriously. However, be mindful of the potential for sounding overly formal or critical.