solemnize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Legal, Religious
Quick answer
What does “solemnize” mean?
To perform or celebrate (a ceremony, especially a marriage or religious rite) with the proper formalities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To perform or celebrate (a ceremony, especially a marriage or religious rite) with the proper formalities.
To make something solemn, serious, or dignified through formal observance or ceremony.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling variations are archaic; 'solemnise' is an accepted British variant, but 'solemnize' is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries connotations of legal validity, religious sanction, and public formality in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally uncommon and formal in both British and American English, primarily found in legal, religious, or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “solemnize” in a Sentence
[solemnize + direct object (e.g., a marriage)][solemnize + direct object + with/through + ceremony][solemnized + as + event]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “solemnize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The registrar will solemnize the civil partnership next week.
- The ancient rites were solemnized in the stone circle.
American English
- A justice of the peace solemnized their marriage at the city hall.
- The treaty was solemnized with a formal signing ceremony.
adjective
British English
- The newly solemnized marriage was entered into the registry.
- A solemnized agreement carries more weight.
American English
- Only a solemnized union is recognized by the state.
- They received their solemnized marriage certificate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal contracts or partnership agreements being formally enacted.
Academic
Used in historical, legal, religious, or sociological texts discussing formal ceremonies and rituals.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. The word is highly formal.
Technical
A precise legal term for the act of making a marriage legally valid through an official ceremony.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “solemnize”
- Using it for informal celebrations (e.g., 'We solemnized his birthday' is incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'solomnize' or 'solemize'.
- Confusing it with 'solemn' and using it as an adjective.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it's rare. It can be used for other formal ceremonies that confer official status, like the signing of a treaty or a religious rite.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word used primarily in legal, religious, and official contexts.
The related nouns are 'solemnization' (the act) and 'solemnizer' (the person who performs it).
Yes. 'Celebrate' is broad and can be informal. 'Solemnize' is specific, formal, and implies an official or ritual act that confers validity, especially legal or religious.
To perform or celebrate (a ceremony, especially a marriage or religious rite) with the proper formalities.
Solemnize is usually formal, legal, religious in register.
Solemnize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɒləmnaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɑːləmnaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Link to the adjective SOLEMN (serious and formal). To SOLEMNIZE is to make an event SOLEMN through a formal ceremony.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORMALITY IS WEIGHT / GRAVITY (e.g., to give weight to a union, to make a contract heavy with significance).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'solemnize' MOST appropriately used?