What does solemnize mean?
Solemnize means to make something solemn or solemn in its ceremonial sense. Its best-known use is for the act of conducting a marriage ceremony: an officiant solemnizes a marriage, normally after the couple has exchanged vows. The word can also describe the formal marking of an agreement, alliance, or other important event. It carries a tone of dignity, gravity, and ritual rather than casual celebration, so it is especially common in legal, religious, historical, and formal ceremonial contexts. Although “celebrate” can serve as a synonym in “solemnize a marriage,” solemnize is more precise because it emphasizes the rites and seriousness of the occasion. In ordinary conversation, speakers usually say “get married,” while solemnize is reserved for formal announcements, legal language, or descriptions of ceremonies. The British spelling is “solemnise,” with the “s” retained before the “z” of the suffix.
To perform a marriage ceremony with formal or solemn rites.
"The registrar solemnized their marriage in the town hall."
Used formally; “married” is the usual neutral alternative in everyday speech.
To make an occasion or agreement solemn through a formal ceremonial act.
"The ancient ceremony solemnized the peace between the rival houses."
A less frequent, literary use emphasizing solemnity or ceremonial confirmation.
While people may fall in love, solemnize gives the ceremony its gravity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does solemnize come from?
Solemnize was formed from solemn, an English word that comes through Old French from Latin sollemnis, meaning customary, solemn, or relating to a solemn rite. The verb was developed with the suffix -ize, which ultimately comes from Greek -izein, meaning to make or cause to become. The Latin root sollemnis also underlies related English words such as solemnity.
Related word forms
How solemnize is actually used
This is a formal and comparatively uncommon verb. It is especially associated with legal, religious, and ceremonial language; “married” or “wedded” will usually sound more natural in everyday speech.