How to pronounce solemn
Say it like SOL-um. Solemn has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SOL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce solemn. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SOL
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Silent final n: 'SOL-um'. The n comes back in solemnity.
Solemn pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SOLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of solemn
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: SOL-um.
What does solemn mean?
- Of or pertaining to religious ceremonies and rites; (generally) religious in nature; sacred.
- Characterized by or performed with appropriate or great ceremony or formality.
- Deeply serious and somber; grave.
Where does solemn come from?
From Middle English solempne, solemne (“performed with religious ceremony or reverence; devoted to religious observances, sacred; ceremonious, formal; of a vow: made under a religious sanction, binding; religious celebration, celebration of
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with solemn
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of solemn.
Questions about saying solemn
How do you pronounce solemn?
Say SOL-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɑləm/. In British English it is /ˈsɒləm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in solemn?
Solemn has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SOL). Broken into parts: SOL · um.
Is solemn pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈsɒləm/ (SOL-um).