How Do You Spell SOLEMN?

Pronunciation: [sˈɒləm] (IPA)

The word "solemn" is spelled with four letters "s-o-l-e-m-n." The phonetic transcription for this word is /sɒləm/ in British English and /sɑləm/ in American English. The silent "mn" at the end of the word may seem confusing, but it is important to remember that it comes from the Latin root "solemnis" which gave the word its meaning of seriousness and formality. Proper spelling of this word is important to convey its gravitas in written communication.

SOLEMN Meaning and Definition

  1. Solemn is an adjective that is typically used to describe an atmosphere, an occasion, a person's demeanor, or an event that feels serious, grave, and characterized by dignity and formality. It signifies a sense of profound importance and reverence. When something is solemn, it lacks lightheartedness or frivolity and demands a certain level of respect and solemnity from those involved or present.

    In a religious or ceremonial context, solemn refers to rituals, ceremonies, or oaths that are performed with great gravity and solemnity, often embodying religious or sacred significance. These occasions are grand, deeply meaningful, and require participants to act with the utmost respect and decorum.

    When it comes to a person's demeanor, being solemn suggests someone is serious, composed, and thoughtful. It may indicate a person's solemn commitment to a cause, a sense of duty, or the expression of sincere feelings of grief or sadness.

    Solemn can also describe an occasion or event that is marked with solemnity, such as a memorial service or a state funeral, where the overall atmosphere is solemn, somber, and respectful.

    Overall, the use of solemn conveys a sense of gravitas, seriousness, and reverence that demands an appropriate level of decorum and respectful behavior.

  2. Marked with religious gravity; affecting with seriousness; adapted to impress seriousness or reverence; having the appearance of seriousness or gravity; serious; reverential; devotional.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SOLEMN *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SOLEMN

Etymology of SOLEMN

The word "solemn" derives from the Latin word "sōlennis", which means "religious, sacred, formal". The Latin term itself likely comes from the combination of two other Latin words: "sacer", meaning "sacred", and "annus", meaning "year". Over time, "sōlennis" acquired the meaning of "celebrated at a fixed date or annually", leading to its association with formal or sacred events. In English, the word "solemn" developed during the late 14th century and retained its connection to religious and ceremonial occasions, acquiring the sense of dignified seriousness and grave sincerity.

Similar spelling words for SOLEMN

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