1.
majestic, solemn, sublime, grand and dignified
Having an awe-inspiring, dignified quality that evokes reverence or deep respect. Often used for religious buildings, ceremonies, natural scenery, and music.
荘厳な雰囲気に包まれた。
We were enveloped in a solemn atmosphere.
大聖堂の中は荘厳な空気に満ちていた。
The inside of the cathedral was filled with a solemn air.
朝日に照らされた山脈は荘厳な美しさで、見る者すべてを圧倒した。
The mountain range illuminated by the morning sun was of sublime beauty, overwhelming all who saw it.
A compound of 荘 (solemn, dignified) and 厳 (strict, severe). In Buddhist contexts, 荘厳 is also read しょうごん, meaning to adorn or decorate a Buddhist altar. The reading そうごん carries the general meaning of majesty and solemnity.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 荘厳な雰囲気: solemn atmosphere
- 荘厳な音楽: majestic music
- 荘厳な建物: a grand, dignified building
- 荘厳な儀式: a solemn ceremony
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 厳粛な: solemn, grave — emphasizes seriousness and formality rather than beauty
- 崇高な: sublime, lofty — emphasizes moral or spiritual elevation
- 壮大な: grand, magnificent — emphasizes large scale and impressiveness