SOLEMNISE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does solemnise mean? 

• SOLEMNISE (verb)
  The verb SOLEMNISE has 3 senses:

1. observe or perform with dignity or gravity

2. perform (the wedding ceremony) with proper ceremonies

3. make solemn and grave

  Familiarity information: SOLEMNISE used as a verb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SOLEMNISE (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they solemnise    ... he / she / it solemnises   
Past simple: solemnised   
Past participle: solemnised   
-ing form: solemnising   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Observe or perform with dignity or gravity

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Synonyms:

solemnise; solemnize

Context example:

The King solemnized this day of morning

Hypernyms (to "solemnise" is one way to...):

celebrate; keep; observe (behave as expected during of holidays or rites)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

solemnisation (the public performance of a sacrament or solemn ceremony with all appropriate ritual)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Perform (the wedding ceremony) with proper ceremonies

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Synonyms:

solemnise; solemnize

Hypernyms (to "solemnise" is one way to...):

marry; splice; tie; wed (perform a marriage ceremony)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

solemnisation (the public performance of a sacrament or solemn ceremony with all appropriate ritual)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Make solemn and grave

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Synonyms:

solemnise; solemnize

Context example:

This ceremony solemnized our hearts

Hypernyms (to "solemnise" is one way to...):

alter; change; modify (cause to change; make different; cause a transformation)

Sentence frames:

Something ----s somebody
Something ----s something

 Context examples 

The sight of the awful and majestic in nature had indeed always the effect of solemnising my mind and causing me to forget the passing cares of life.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

Adele, who appeared to be still under the influence of a most solemnising impression, sat down, without a word, on the footstool I pointed out to her.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)