solemnize
Meaning
to perform or celebrate (a ceremony, especially a wedding) with formal rites.
to make solemn or serious; to dignify.
Structure
Usage
the couple chose to solemnize their marriage in a small chapel.
the treaty was solemnized with a grand signing ceremony attended by diplomats.
his somber tone served to solemnize the otherwise informal gathering.
Etymology
the word 'solemnize' originates from the latin adjective solemnis, which meant 'annual, established, ceremonial, solemn.' this latin term is believed to be related to sollus, meaning 'whole, entire,' suggesting a sense of something performed with full, formal completeness. the suffix '-ize,' derived from greek, was added to form a verb meaning 'to make solemn' or 'to perform with solemn ceremony.' thus, the literal construction 'to make solemn' evolved into the specific modern meaning of conducting a formal ceremony, particularly a wedding, with due ritual and dignity.
Analysis
solemn (from latin solemnis, meaning established, religious, formal); ize (from greek -izein via latin -izare, a verb-forming suffix meaning 'to make, to become, to practice').