solenne
/soˈlɛn.ne/
The English word 'solemn' is translated into Italian as solenne.
The adjective solenne is used to describe something that is deeply serious and sombre. While sacro primarily means 'sacred', it can also be used in Italian to describe something as solemn.
Meaning: deeply serious and sombre (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective solenne changes to the plural form solenni. If you wish to use the adverb form, use solennemente.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /soˈlɛn.ne/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The adjective solenne derives from the Latin sollemnis, which originally referred to something performed at fixed intervals, like a yearly rite.
- In Italian legal terminology, a contratto solenne is a contract that requires a specific formal ritual or written form to be legally valid.
- Italian speakers may use solenne ironically to describe someone who is acting overly formal or pompous in a way that feels unnatural.
Examples in context
- Era piuttosto solenne.It was pretty solemn.Tatoeba #5753706 by Guybrush88, translation #5753231 by CM
- La cerimonia era estremamente solenne.The ceremony was extremely solemn.
- Pronunciò il discorso solennemente.He delivered the speech solemnly.
- Il silenzio in chiesa era solenne.The silence in the church was solemn.
- Ha fatto una promessa solenne.He made a solemn promise.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are discussing a formal ceremony they attended.
- AlessandroL'atmosfera era molto solenne, non trovi?The atmosphere was very solemn, don't you think?
- MartinaSì, Alessandro, è stato un momento molto serio.Yes, Alessandro, it was a very serious moment.
- AlessandroTutti erano molto silenziosi.Everyone was very quiet.
- MartinaÈ normale in una cerimonia così importante.It is normal in such an important ceremony.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “solemn” translations and entries solenne, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries solenne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
