solemnity

/səˈlɛmnɪti/

Etymology

From solemn + -ity, from Middle English solemnity (“observance of formality and ceremony”), frequently in the phrases in solemnity, with solemnity, which from Old French solemnite, from Latin sollemnitās, from sollemnis. (Compare solemn.)

solemnity means The quality of being deeply serious and sober or solemn. Lexicurio rates it Distinctive — a strength score of 55 out of 100.

Why this word is great

SOLEMNITY — [Noun] The quality of being deeply serious, grave, and formal, or a formal rite or ceremony performed with such gravity. From Middle English solemnite, from Old French solemnite, from Latin sollemnitās ("a solemn ceremony, festivity"), from sollemnis ("solemn, religious, appointed, established"). Unlike "formality," which can be an empty husk of convention, or "festivity," which erupts with communal joy, solemnity is a weight consciously assumed, a silence agreed upon. It is the slow tolling of a bell across empty fields, the measured tread of a pallbearer on gravel, and the collective, held breath before a verdict is read—a temporary architecture of reverence built against the noise of everything else.

noun

The quality of being deeply serious and sober or solemn.“the solemnity of a funeral”
An instance or example of solemn behavior; a rite or ceremony performed with reverence.“Great was the cauſe; our old ſolemnities / From no blind zeal or fond tradition riſe, / But ſav'd from death, our Argives yearly pay / Theſe grateful honours to the God of Day.”
A feast day of the highest rank celebrating a mystery of faith such as the Trinity, an event in the life of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, or another important saint.
A solemn or formal observance; proceeding according to due form; the formality which is necessary to render a thing done valid.
A celebration or festivity.