Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make solemn and grave: To impart a serious, dignified, or deeply earnest character to a person, event, or atmosphere.
   • To perform or celebrate (a ceremony, especially a wedding) with proper rites and formalities: To conduct a formal ceremony, ensuring all traditional or legal rituals are observed.
   • To observe or perform with dignity and gravity: To mark an occasion or action with appropriate seriousness and respect.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The memorial service solemnised the atmosphere in the hall. (The service made the atmosphere deeply serious and respectful.)
  • The priest will solemnise their marriage next Saturday. (The priest will perform their wedding ceremony with the proper rites.)
  • We should solemnise this anniversary with a moment of reflection. (We should observe this anniversary with dignified gravity.)

Advanced Usage

• "to solemnise an oath": to administer or take an oath with full formal seriousness.
  • The judge solemnised the witness's oath before the testimony.
• "to solemnise a pact": to formalise an agreement with a ceremonial act.
  • The treaty was solemnised by the signing of the historic document.

Variants and Related Words

• Solemnisation (noun): The action or process of solemnising.
  • The solemnisation of the marriage took place in the chapel.
• Solemniser (noun): A person who performs a solemnisation, especially an officiant.
  • The registrar acted as the solemniser for the civil partnership.

Synonyms

• Consecrate: To make or declare sacred; to dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.
• Formalise: To give a definite structure or form to something, often making it official.
• Observe: To mark or celebrate (an occasion) by following a custom or ritual.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: As a transitive verb, "solemnise" is not typically used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is contained within the single word.)

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms that use the exact word "solemnise." Its usage is typically formal and direct.)

Verb

1. make solemn and grave
   • This ceremony solemnized our hearts
2. perform (the wedding ceremony) with proper ceremonies
3. observe or perform with dignity or gravity
   • The King solemnized this day of morning