During the ceremony, the speaker delivered a solemn address about the importance of peace.
synonyms
seriousgraveearnest
word origin — from Middle English 'solempne', from Old French 'solemnel', from Latin 'solemnis', meaning 'observance, ceremony, or religious'
solemn, lengthy, monumental, inventive, buoyant: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 143. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
solemn · adjective/ˈsɑː.ləm/
deeply earnest and serious in nature
During the ceremony, the speaker delivered a solemn address about the importance of peace.
Synonyms: serious, grave, earnest
Origin: from Middle English 'solempne', from Old French 'solemnel', from Latin 'solemnis', meaning 'observance, ceremony, or religious'
lengthy · adjective/ˈlɛŋθi/
relating to a considerable duration or extent in time or space
The meeting turned into a lengthy discussion about the upcoming project deadlines.
Synonyms: prolonged, extensive, long-lasting
Origin: The word 'lengthy' originates from the Old English 'length', which comes from the Proto-Germanic '*langitho', referring to a considerable extent in time or space.
monumental · adjective/ˌmɑːn.juˈmɛn.təl/
of great significance or importance
The scientist made a monumental discovery that changed the course of medical research.
Synonyms: significant, momentous, important
Origin: from the Latin 'monumentalis', from 'monumentum' meaning 'monument'
inventive · adjective/ɪnˈvɛntɪv/
having the ability to create or design new things or to think originally
Her inventive ideas for the project impressed everyone in the meeting.
Synonyms: creative, innovative, original
Origin: The word 'inventive' comes from the Latin 'inventivus', which means 'able to discover', derived from 'invenire' meaning 'to find, come upon'.
buoyant · adjective/ˈbɔɪənt/
able to float or rise in a liquid or gas
The buoyant raft easily floated on the surface of the lake, providing a safe way to enjoy the water.
Synonyms: floating, bouyancy
Origin: From French 'bouyant', from 'bouyer' meaning 'to cause to float', derived from Latin 'būiare' meaning 'to cease'.