0
Gene93 Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary

stern/solemn

Hello,
What is the difference between: "A smile transformed her solemn/stern face."? Is solemn more severe than stern?
  

Top answer

They both have the meaning of unsmiling seriousness, but "solemn" may carry a connotation of general formality to fit an occasion, while stern carries a connotation of particular strictness and severity. She's solemn in church, but she's stern with you.

— Deadrat

  • They both have the meaning of unsmiling seriousness, but "solemn" may carry a connotation of general formality to fit an occasion, while stern carries a connotation of particular strictness and severity.
  • She's solemn in church, but she's stern with you.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
They both have the meaning of unsmiling seriousness, but "solemn" may carry a connotation of general formality to fit an occasion, while stern carries a connotation of particular strictness and severity. She's solemn in church, but she's stern with you.
0
0
Yes, I noticed. People at a funeral might be solemn. Can someone treat people "sternly"?
0
0
Yes. It means harshly.
0

Related Questions