Solemn vs. Serious — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Solemn and Serious
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Compare with Definitions
Solemn
Serious and dignified
A solemn occasion.
Serious
Thoughtful, somber, or grave in manner
He became serious when he was asked about the economy.
Solemn
Showing or behaving with dignified restraint or earnestness
"Spade's face was solemn except for wrinkles at the corners of his eyes" (Dashiell Hammett).
Serious
Not joking or trifling
I was serious when I said I liked your haircut.
Solemn
Performed with full ceremony
A solemn High Mass.
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Serious
Deeply interested or involved
A serious golfer.
Solemn
Made with deep sincerity or invoking the force of religion
A solemn vow.
Serious
Meriting great concern
A serious illness.
A serious mistake.
Solemn
Dark or undecorated
A solemn forest.
A solemn hall.
Serious
Performed with careful thought
A serious effort to reform tax policy.
Solemn
Of or pertaining to religious ceremonies and rites; (generally) religious in nature; sacred.
Serious
Pertaining to important rather than trivial matters
A serious discussion.
Solemn
(by extension)
Serious
Sincerely meant
Mistook a sarcastic comment for a serious question.
Solemn
Characterized by or performed with appropriate or great ceremony or formality.
Serious
Intended for sophisticated people
Serious music.
Solemn
Deeply serious and sombre; grave.
Serious
(Informal) Of considerable size or scope; substantial
A serious amount of money.
Solemn
Inspiring serious feelings or thoughts; sombrely impressive.
Serious
Without humor or expression of happiness; grave in manner or disposition
It was a surprise to see the captain, who had always seemed so serious, laugh so heartily.
Solemn
(obsolete) Cheerless, gloomy, sombre.
Serious
Important; weighty; not insignificant
This is a serious problem. We'll need our best experts.
Solemn
Marked with religious rites and pomps; enjoined by, or connected with, religion; sacred.
His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned.
The worship of this image was advanced, and a solemn supplication observed everry year.
Serious
Really intending what is said (or planned, etc); in earnest; not jocular or deceiving
After all these years, we're finally getting serious attention.
He says he wants to buy the team, but is he serious?
Solemn
Pertaining to a festival; festive; festal.
Serious
(of a relationship) Committed.
Solemn
Stately; ceremonious; grand.
His feast so solemn and so rich.
To-night we hold a splemn supper.
Serious
In a serious manner; seriously.
Solemn
Fitted to awaken or express serious reflections; marked by seriousness; serious; grave; devout; as, a solemn promise; solemn earnestness.
Nor wanting power to mitigate and swageWith solemn touches troubled thoughts.
There reigned a solemn silence over all.
Serious
Grave in manner or disposition; earnest; thoughtful; solemn; not light, gay, or volatile.
He is always serious, yet there is about his manner a graceful ease.
Solemn
Real; earnest; downright.
Frederick, the emperor, . . . has spared no expense in strengthening this city; since which time we find no solemn taking it by the Turks.
Serious
Really intending what is said; being in earnest; not jesting or deceiving.
Solemn
Affectedly grave or serious; as, to put on a solemn face.
Serious
Important; weighty; not trifling; grave.
The holy Scriptures bring to our ears the most serious things in the world.
Solemn
Made in form; ceremonious; as, solemn war; conforming with all legal requirements; as, probate in solemn form.
Serious
Hence, giving rise to apprehension; attended with danger; as, a serious injury.
Solemn
Dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises;
A grave God-fearing man
A quiet sedate nature
As sober as a judge
A solemn promise
The judge was solemn as he pronounced sentence
Serious
Concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities;
A serious student of history
A serious attempt to learn to ski
Gave me a serious look
A serious young man
Are you serious or joking?
Don't be so serious!
Solemn
Characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions;
Both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate
An entirely sincere and cruel tyrant
A film with a solemn social message
Serious
Of great consequence;
Marriage is a serious matter
Serious
Causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm;
A dangerous operation
A grave situation
A grave illness
Grievous bodily harm
A serious wound
A serious turn of events
A severe case of pneumonia
A life-threatening disease
Serious
Appealing to the mind;
Good music
A serious book
Serious
Completely lacking in playfulness
Serious
Requiring effort or concentration; complex and not easy to answer or solve;
Raised serious objections to the proposal
The plan has a serious flaw
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