solemn feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solemn feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an emotion or atmosphere that is serious, reflective, or grave, often in contexts related to events or situations that evoke deep thought or respect. Example: "As the memorial service began, a solemn feeling enveloped the attendees, reminding them of the gravity of their loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It's a very solemn feeling," said Lisa Velez, 48, who lives a floor below Ms. Shapiro's apartment.

The New York Times

I was sitting on one of the chain lockers looking towards the land with a deep, solemn feeling that I was on holy ground, Franklin's last safe winter harbour.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Around my co-workers there's a solemn, sad feeling".

Vice

There was a solemn and heavy feeling here, and having known people who spent time in what the Nisei referred to as "camp," the feeling was more pronounced.

Huffington Post

Hill's gift is for miffed feelings, solemn dismay, and huffy outrage, but in "22 Jump Street" he uses his short, rubbery body with greater abandon than he has in the past.

The New Yorker

Despite feeling prematurely solemn, the arrival of these honors may be well timed in a karmic, historical sense.

The New York Times - Books

Critics, bloggers and people in suits gathered in a large antechamber, sipping wine and feeling skittish yet solemn, like cardinals who had been invited to inspect a newly discovered splinter of St Francis's femur.

The Guardian - Film

The paintings of this period are solemn and mysterious and radiate a sublime poetic feeling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet during that solemn autumn afternoon in Curtis's £3m townhouse, the feeling among the two was of an opportunity lost.

The Guardian

The solemn hyperbole of the statement makes you laugh, but the feeling is not, perhaps, totally unfamiliar to those of us who make a living putting one word after another.

The New York Times - Books

On this solemn day, as I watch the news of Hillary Clinton's feeling unwell, I pray for her health.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solemn feeling" to describe a moment or event that evokes deep respect, seriousness, and contemplation. For example, describe the atmosphere at a memorial service or a historical site.

Common error

Avoid using "solemn feeling" in lighthearted or trivial situations. This phrase is best reserved for moments of true gravity and significance, as its misuse can sound melodramatic or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solemn feeling" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "solemn" modifies the noun "feeling". It describes a specific type of emotional state characterized by seriousness and reverence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "solemn feeling" is a grammatically sound way to describe a deep, serious emotion often associated with reverence or respect. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. However, it's a relatively rare expression, best suited for formal or serious contexts like memorial services or historical reflections. When writing, consider alternative phrases like "somber sensation" or "grave sentiment" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Reserve the phrase "solemn feeling" for when you specifically want to evoke a sense of deep seriousness and contemplation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somber sensation

Replaces "feeling" with a synonym that emphasizes a dark or gloomy emotional tone.

grave sentiment

Substitutes "feeling" with a more formal and weighty term, suggesting deep seriousness.

serious emotion

Uses a more general term for "solemn" while retaining the core meaning of profound emotion.

heavy heartedness

Shifts the focus to the emotional burden and sadness associated with the feeling.

profound sadness

Emphasizes the depth of sadness rather than the solemnity.

reflective mood

Highlights the contemplative aspect of the feeling, focusing on thoughtfulness.

melancholy atmosphere

Shifts focus from the individual's feeling to the overall environment or setting.

austere emotion

Replaces "solemn" with a word that suggests severity and simplicity of the feeling.

reverential awe

Implies a feeling of deep respect mixed with wonder, often in a spiritual context.

weighty feeling

Focuses on the sense of burden or importance associated with the feeling.

FAQs

How can I describe a similar feeling without using "solemn feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "somber sensation", "grave sentiment", or "serious emotion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "solemn feeling"?

The phrase is appropriate in contexts where there is a sense of seriousness, respect, or gravity, such as funerals, memorial services, historical events, or moments of deep reflection.

What's the difference between "solemn feeling" and "sad feeling"?

"Solemn feeling" implies a sense of reverence and seriousness, often in a formal setting, whereas "sad feeling" simply describes a state of unhappiness or sorrow without necessarily involving a sense of formality or respect. One could experience a "sad feeling" watching a movie, but experience a "solemn feeling" at a war memorial.

Is "solemn feeling" a common phrase in English?

While grammatically correct, "solemn feeling" isn't as common as other similar phrases like "serious emotion" or "grave sentiment". It's best used when you specifically want to convey a sense of deep reverence or formality.