solemn: [14] Solemn comes via Old French solemne from Latin sollemnis ‘customary’, hence ‘performed with due ceremony on a particular fixed day’. This was derived from sollus ‘whole’ (source also of English solicit). => solicit
solemn (adj.)
mid-14c., "performed with due religious ceremony or reverence, sacred, devoted to religious observances," also, of a vow, etc., "made under religious sanction, binding," from Old French solempne (12c., Modern French solennel) and directly from Latin sollemnis "annual, established, religiously fixed, formal, ceremonial, traditional," perhaps related to sollus "whole" (see safe (adj.)).
"The explanation that Latin sollemnis was formed from sollus whole + annus year is not considered valid" [Barnhart], but some assimilation via folk-etymology is possible. In Middle English also "famous, important; imposing, grand," hence Chaucer's friar, a ful solempne man. Meaning "marked by seriousness or earnestness" is from late 14c.; sense of "fitted to inspire devout reflection" is from c. 1400. Related: Solemnly.
双语例句
1. He was a slim, solemn, darkly handsome young man.
他是个身材修长、表情庄重、皮肤黝黑的帅小伙。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Erica was solemn, pulling at her blonde curls.
埃丽卡表情严肃,扯着自己卷曲的金发。
来自柯林斯例句
3. His face suddenly turned solemn, his voice confidential.