Etymology Map
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Solemn

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means formal and dignified; serious

Where does the word "solemn" come from? It comes from Latin sollemnis, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
sollemnis
Latin · ancient
"annual, ceremonial"
possibly from 'sollus', whole, plus 'annus', year: yearly rites
2
Stage 2 of 3
solempne
Old French · medieval
"ceremonial"
religious festivals
3
Stage 3 of 3
solemn
English · 1300s
"ceremonial"
the sense 'serious' followed
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Read the full story

Solemn’s story begins in Latin: sollemnis meant “annual, ceremonial.” Possibly from 'sollus', whole, plus 'annus', year: yearly rites. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as solempne. Religious festivals. It reached English by 1300s as solemn. The sense 'serious' followed. Today, solemn means formal and dignified; serious.