solemnity

noun

so·​lem·​ni·​ty sə-ˈlem-nə-tē 

plural solemnities

1

: formal or ceremonious observance of an occasion or event

2

: a solemn event or occasion

3

: a solemn condition or quality

the solemnity of his words

Synonyms

• earnest
• earnestness
• graveness
• gravity
• intentness
• serious-mindedness
• seriousness
• soberness
• sobriety
• solemnness
• staidness

Examples of solemnity in a Sentence

the solemnity of the occasion

Her voice conveyed the solemnity of the passage.

The visiting statesman was welcomed with appropriate solemnity.

Elaborate solemnities marked the 100th anniversary of the event.

Recent Examples on the Web

The cast does try, though, with Fassbender leveling his unyielding gaze on yet another role driven by intense, near-constant solemnity. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Nov. 2024

Sure, the solemnity of the opening grew ever so slightly sluggish, and slow parts of the finale were drawn out past the point of creating useful contrast. —Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024

By James Parker The huge solemnity of his eyes, grave and sober as a child’s but with a spark of ancient, euphoric irony back in there somewhere. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 12 Oct. 2024

The Tigger energy is abruptly stilled, replaced by a silently welling solemnity. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1