dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises; a grave God-fearing man; a quiet sedate nature; as sober as a judge; a solemn promise; the judge was solemn as he pronounced sentence

[ Syn: grave , sedate , sober ]

characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions; both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate; an entirely sincere and cruel tyrant; a film with a solemn social message

[ Syn: earnest , sincere ]