How to Pronounce “solemn”

American (US)

/ˈsɑːləm/

British (UK)

/ˈsɒləm/

adjective — Formal and dignified, or seriously sincere.

Example: He made a solemn promise to return.

Synonyms: grave, earnest

Antonyms: frivolous

The final n is silent. An n after m at the end of a word is silent. “solemn” ends on /m/ — though the n comes back when a suffix is added, as in the related longer forms of the word.

Where the stress falls. “solemn” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsɑːləm/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈsɑːləm/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "solemn" mean?

solemn (adjective): Formal and dignified, or seriously sincere. For example — He made a solemn promise to return.

How do you pronounce "solemn" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈsɑːləm/. British English: /ˈsɒləm/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "solemn"?

/ˈsɑːləm/ in American English, /ˈsɒləm/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "solemn"?

“solemn” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsɑːləm/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

• Silent N words