solemnity

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solemnity

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solemn +‎ -ity, from 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]

• IPA^(key): /səˈlɛmnɪti/

  • Audio (UK):

    (file)

• Hyphenation: so‧lem‧ni‧ty

solemnity (countable and uncountable, plural solemnities)

1. The quality of being deeply serious and sober or solemn.

   the solemnity of a funeral

   • (Can we date this quote by Addison and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)

     The stateliness and gravity of the Spaniards shows itself in the solemnity of their language.

   • (Can we date this quote by J. Edwards and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)

     These promises were often made with great solemnity and confirmed with an oath.

2. An instance or example of solemn behavior; a rite or ceremony performed with reverence.
   • c. 1699 – 1703, Alexander Pope, “The First Book of Statius His Thebais”, in The Works of Mr. Alexander Pope, volume I, London: […] W[illiam] Bowyer, for Bernard Lintot, […], published 1717, →OCLC, 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./mode/1up page 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.:
   • (Can we date this quote by Atterbury and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)

     The forms and solemnities of the last judgment.

3. (Catholicism) A feast day of the highest rank celebrating a mystery of faith such as the Trinity, an event in the life of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, or another important saint.
4. (law) A solemn or formal observance; proceeding according to due form; the formality which is necessary to render a thing done valid.
5. (obsolete) A celebration or festivity.

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