Solemnise vs. Solemnize — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 23, 2024
"Solemnise" and "solemnize" both refer to the act of making something formal or serious, but "solemnise" is the British spelling, while "solemnize" is used in American English.
Difference Between Solemnise and Solemnize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Solemnise" is commonly used in British English to describe the act of performing a ritual or ceremony with formal significance. On the other hand, "solemnize" is the spelling preferred in American English for the same purpose.
When someone chooses to "solemnise" a marriage in the UK, it implies the legal or ceremonial conduction of the marriage. Whereas, in the US, the term "solemnize" is used to indicate the formalization of a wedding.
Legal documents and literature in the UK frequently use "solemnise" to convey the seriousness or legal binding of an action. Conversely, in the US, "solemnize" appears in similar contexts, reflecting the same level of gravity and formality.
Educational materials and dictionaries in Britain will list "solemnise" as the correct form. Meanwhile, American sources will advocate for the use of "solemnize."
Pronunciation of "solemnise" and "solemnize" remains consistent across both variants, focusing on the gravity the word implies in ceremonial contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
British English
American English
Usage in Context
Used in legal and formal ceremonies
Used similarly in formal and legal settings
Dictionary Listings
Appears in British dictionaries
Listed in American dictionaries
Pronunciation
/ˈsɒləmnaɪz/
/ˈsɑləmnaɪz/
Example
"They solemnised their marriage in London."
"They solemnized their marriage in New York."
Compare with Definitions
Solemnise
To perform a ceremony officially.
They will solemnise their vows in a traditional church service.
Solemnize
To perform a ritual or ceremony officially.
They chose to solemnize their marriage in a grand hall.
Solemnise
To legally formalize an agreement or treaty.
The leaders solemnised the treaty with their signatures.
Solemnize
To legally validate or confirm.
The contract was solemnized before witnesses.
Solemnise
To celebrate a religious rite solemnly.
The priest solemnised the Eucharist with great reverence.
Solemnize
To conduct a ceremony with serious intention.
The official solemnized the proceedings with dignity.
Solemnise
To mark with a formal ceremony.
The mayor solemnised the opening of the bridge.
Solemnize
To make something grave or serious in nature.
The atmosphere was solemnized by the speaker's tone.
Solemnise
To make serious or grave.
The judge solemnised the courtroom with his solemn tone.
Solemnize
To celebrate something with formal procedures.
The community solemnized the annual festival with traditional dances.
Solemnise
Standard spelling of solemnize
Solemnize
To celebrate or observe with dignity and gravity
"His death is solemnized with a stoical but powerful gesture of grief" (David Denby).
Solemnise
Observe or perform with dignity or gravity;
The King solemnized this day of morning
Solemnize
To perform (a marriage, for example) with formal ceremony.
Solemnise
Perform (the wedding ceremony) with proper ceremonies
Solemnize
To make serious or grave
"those rooms so solemnized by their massive regimental decor" (William H. Gass).
Solemnise
Make solemn and grave;
This ceremony solemnized our hearts
Solemnize
To make solemn, or official, through ceremony or legal act.
The couple chose to solemnize their relationship in a secular ceremony, instead of having a wedding.
Solemnize
To make grave, serious, and reverential.
Solemnize
To perform with solemn or ritual ceremonies, or according to legal forms.
Baptism to be administered in one place, and marriage solemnized in another.
Solemnize
To dignify or honor by ceremonies; to celebrate.
Their choice nobility and flowers . . . Met from all parts to solemnize this feast.
Solemnize
To make grave, serious, and reverential.
Wordsworth was solemnizzed and elevated by this his first look on Yarrow.
Every Israelite . . . arose, solemnized his face, looked towards Jerusalem . . . and prayed.
Solemnize
Solemnization.
Though spoused, yet wanting wedlock's solemnize.
Solemnize
Observe or perform with dignity or gravity;
The King solemnized this day of morning
Solemnize
Perform (the wedding ceremony) with proper ceremonies
Solemnize
Make solemn and grave;
This ceremony solemnized our hearts
Common Curiosities
Are "solemnise" and "solemnize" interchangeable?
Yes, "solemnise" and "solemnize" are interchangeable, differing only in regional spelling preferences.
What does "solemnise" mean?
"Solemnise" means to perform a ritual or ceremony in a formal and serious manner, typically used in British English.
What does "solemnize" mean?
"Solemnize" refers to the act of performing a formal ceremony or ritual, typically used in American English.
In which countries is "solemnise" the preferred spelling?
"Solemnise" is preferred in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
In which countries is "solemnize" the preferred spelling?
"Solemnize" is predominantly used in the United States and Canada.
Can "solemnise" be used in legal documents?
Yes, "solemnise" can be used in legal documents, particularly in British English contexts.
Is there a difference in pronunciation between "solemnise" and "solemnize"?
No, both "solemnise" and "solemnize" are pronounced the same way.
How do I use "solemnise" in a sentence?
You can use "solemnise" similar to "They will solemnise their wedding at the local church."
Can "solemnize" be used in educational contexts?
Yes, "solemnize" is used in educational and academic contexts in American English.
Does the meaning of "solemnize" change in legal contexts?
In legal contexts, "solemnize" means to legally validate or formalize a procedure or document.
Why do "solemnise" and "solemnize" have different spellings?
The difference in spelling reflects the variations in British and American English.
Does the meaning of "solemnise" differ in religious contexts?
In religious contexts, "solemnise" still implies performing a ceremony with seriousness and formality.
Can "solemnise" and "solemnize" be found in standard dictionaries?
Yes, both versions can be found in dictionaries, each noting the regional usage.
How do I use "solemnize" in a sentence?
An example would be, "The couple decided to solemnize their union in a simple ceremony."
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
