solemnity
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
Middle English solemnity (“observance of formality and ceremony”), frequently in the phrases in solemnity, with solemnity, which from Old French solemnite, from Latin sollemnitās, from sollemnis. (Compare solemn.)[1]
Noun [edit]
solemnity (plural solemnities)
- The quality of being deeply serious and sober or solemn.
- the solemnity of a funeral
- Addison
- The stateliness and gravity of the Spaniards shows itself in the solemnity of their language.
- J. Edwards
- These promises were often made with great solemnity and confirmed with an oath.
- An instance or example of solemn behavior; a rite or ceremony performed with reverence.
- Alexander Pope
- Great was the cause; our old solemnities / From no blind zeal or fond tradition rise, / But saved from death, our Argives yearly pay / These grateful honours to the god of day.
- Atterbury
- The forms and solemnities of the last judgment.
- Alexander Pope
- (law) A solemn or formal observance; proceeding according to due form; the formality which is necessary to render a thing done valid.
Translations [edit]
quality of being solemn
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instance of solemn behavior
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Anagrams [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ “solemnity” in the The New Oxford American Dictionary, Second Edition, Oxford University Press, 2005
