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Definition of solemn adjective from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

     

    solemn

     adjective
    adjective
    NAmE//ˈsɑləm//
     
     
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  1. 1(of a person) not happy or smiling synonym serious Her face grew solemn. a solemn expression opposite cheerful Thesaurusserious
    • grave
    • earnest
    • solemn
    These words all describe someone who thinks and behaves carefully and sensibly, but often without much joy or laughter.
    • serious thinking about things in a careful and sensible way; not laughing about something:He's really a very serious person. Be serious for a minute; this is important.
    • grave (somewhat formal) (of a person) serious in manner, as if something sad, important, or worrying has just happened:She looked very grave as she entered the room.
    • earnest serious and sincere:The earnest young doctor answered all our questions. an earnest attempt to communicate
    • solemn looking or sounding very serious, without smiling; done or said in a very serious and sincere way:The minister wore a solemn expression. I made a solemn promise that I would return.
    Patterns
    • a(n) serious/grave/earnest/solemn expression/face
    • a serious/solemn mood/atmosphere
  2. 2done, said, etc. in a very serious and sincere way a solemn oath/undertaking/vow, etc. a solemn and binding promise
  3. 3(of a religious ceremony or formal occasion) performed in a serious way a solemn ritual
solemnly
 
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adverb He nodded solemnly. She solemnly promised not to say a word to anyone about it. The choir walked solemnly past.See solemn in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
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