‘serious’ vs. ‘solemn’
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Watching the English: The International Bestseller Revised and Updated (2014) by Kate Fox, BA in Anthropology and Philosophy from Cambridge U. p. 79
HUMOUR RULES
THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT BEING EARNEST RULE
At the most basic level, an underlying rule in all English conversation is the proscription of ‘earnestness’. Although we may not have a monopoly on humour, or even on irony, the English are probably more acutely sensitive than any other nation to the distinction between ‘serious’ and ‘solemn’ [emboldening mine], between ‘sincerity’ and ‘earnestness’.
This distinction is crucial to any kind of understanding of Englishness. I cannot emphasise this strongly enough: if you are not able to grasp these subtle but vital differences, you will never understand the English – and even if you speak the language fluently, you will never feel or appear entirely at home in conversation with the English. Your English may be impeccable, but your behavioural ‘grammar’ will be full of glaring errors.
Once you have become sufficiently sensitised to these distinctions, the Importance of Not Being Earnest rule is really quite simple. Seriousness is acceptable; solemnity is prohibited. Sincerity is allowed; earnestness is strictly forbidden. Pomposity and self-importance are outlawed. Serious matters can be spoken of seriously, but one must never take oneself too seriously. The ability to laugh at ourselves, although it may be rooted in a form of arrogance, or at least complacency, is one of the more endearing characteristics of the English. (At least, I hope I am right about this: if I have overestimated our ability to laugh at ourselves, this book will be rather unpopular.[29])
I don't know much about England or British English. Can a British English speaker distinguish this pair, which feels synonymous to me? I know their ordinary English definitions, but not their connotations in this context. Thanks!
british-english
asked Nov 28 at 18:32
Postmodernism dazes.
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Watching the English: The International Bestseller Revised and Updated (2014) by Kate Fox, BA in Anthropology and Philosophy from Cambridge U. p. 79
HUMOUR RULES
THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT BEING EARNEST RULE
At the most basic level, an underlying rule in all English conversation is the proscription of ‘earnestness’. Although we may not have a monopoly on humour, or even on irony, the English are probably more acutely sensitive than any other nation to the distinction between ‘serious’ and ‘solemn’ [emboldening mine], between ‘sincerity’ and ‘earnestness’.
This distinction is crucial to any kind of understanding of Englishness. I cannot emphasise this strongly enough: if you are not able to grasp these subtle but vital differences, you will never understand the English – and even if you speak the language fluently, you will never feel or appear entirely at home in conversation with the English. Your English may be impeccable, but your behavioural ‘grammar’ will be full of glaring errors.
Once you have become sufficiently sensitised to these distinctions, the Importance of Not Being Earnest rule is really quite simple. Seriousness is acceptable; solemnity is prohibited. Sincerity is allowed; earnestness is strictly forbidden. Pomposity and self-importance are outlawed. Serious matters can be spoken of seriously, but one must never take oneself too seriously. The ability to laugh at ourselves, although it may be rooted in a form of arrogance, or at least complacency, is one of the more endearing characteristics of the English. (At least, I hope I am right about this: if I have overestimated our ability to laugh at ourselves, this book will be rather unpopular.[29])
I don't know much about England or British English. Can a British English speaker distinguish this pair, which feels synonymous to me? I know their ordinary English definitions, but not their connotations in this context. Thanks!
british-english
asked Nov 28 at 18:32
Postmodernism dazes.
133
New contributor
Postmodernism dazes. is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
2
To me, the thesis doesn't seem to be using the words in any different way than their dictionary definitions. There is no redefinition going on here, simply normal usage. (Interpreting or believing the passage itself is something else.)
– Jason Bassford
Nov 28 at 18:43
1
What a wonderful passage! As an Australian (and therefore a larrikin colonial incapable of seriousness when in the presence of the British), I can attest to the very real difference between serious/sincere and solemn/earnest, the latter being a disposition commonly associated with U.S. citizens. I presume that on this issue, Canadians – like Australians – are bemused onlookers?
– Chappo
Nov 28 at 22:26
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
Watching the English: The International Bestseller Revised and Updated (2014) by Kate Fox, BA in Anthropology and Philosophy from Cambridge U. p. 79
HUMOUR RULES
THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT BEING EARNEST RULE
At the most basic level, an underlying rule in all English conversation is the proscription of ‘earnestness’. Although we may not have a monopoly on humour, or even on irony, the English are probably more acutely sensitive than any other nation to the distinction between ‘serious’ and ‘solemn’ [emboldening mine], between ‘sincerity’ and ‘earnestness’.
This distinction is crucial to any kind of understanding of Englishness. I cannot emphasise this strongly enough: if you are not able to grasp these subtle but vital differences, you will never understand the English – and even if you speak the language fluently, you will never feel or appear entirely at home in conversation with the English. Your English may be impeccable, but your behavioural ‘grammar’ will be full of glaring errors.
Once you have become sufficiently sensitised to these distinctions, the Importance of Not Being Earnest rule is really quite simple. Seriousness is acceptable; solemnity is prohibited. Sincerity is allowed; earnestness is strictly forbidden. Pomposity and self-importance are outlawed. Serious matters can be spoken of seriously, but one must never take oneself too seriously. The ability to laugh at ourselves, although it may be rooted in a form of arrogance, or at least complacency, is one of the more endearing characteristics of the English. (At least, I hope I am right about this: if I have overestimated our ability to laugh at ourselves, this book will be rather unpopular.[29])
I don't know much about England or British English. Can a British English speaker distinguish this pair, which feels synonymous to me? I know their ordinary English definitions, but not their connotations in this context. Thanks!
british-english
asked Nov 28 at 18:32
Postmodernism dazes.
133
New contributor
Postmodernism dazes. is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Watching the English: The International Bestseller Revised and Updated (2014) by Kate Fox, BA in Anthropology and Philosophy from Cambridge U. p. 79
HUMOUR RULES
THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT BEING EARNEST RULE
At the most basic level, an underlying rule in all English conversation is the proscription of ‘earnestness’. Although we may not have a monopoly on humour, or even on irony, the English are probably more acutely sensitive than any other nation to the distinction between ‘serious’ and ‘solemn’ [emboldening mine], between ‘sincerity’ and ‘earnestness’.
This distinction is crucial to any kind of understanding of Englishness. I cannot emphasise this strongly enough: if you are not able to grasp these subtle but vital differences, you will never understand the English – and even if you speak the language fluently, you will never feel or appear entirely at home in conversation with the English. Your English may be impeccable, but your behavioural ‘grammar’ will be full of glaring errors.
Once you have become sufficiently sensitised to these distinctions, the Importance of Not Being Earnest rule is really quite simple. Seriousness is acceptable; solemnity is prohibited. Sincerity is allowed; earnestness is strictly forbidden. Pomposity and self-importance are outlawed. Serious matters can be spoken of seriously, but one must never take oneself too seriously. The ability to laugh at ourselves, although it may be rooted in a form of arrogance, or at least complacency, is one of the more endearing characteristics of the English. (At least, I hope I am right about this: if I have overestimated our ability to laugh at ourselves, this book will be rather unpopular.[29])
I don't know much about England or British English. Can a British English speaker distinguish this pair, which feels synonymous to me? I know their ordinary English definitions, but not their connotations in this context. Thanks!
british-english
british-english
asked Nov 28 at 18:32
Postmodernism dazes.
133
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Postmodernism dazes. is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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asked Nov 28 at 18:32
Postmodernism dazes.
133
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edited Nov 28 at 18:37
asked Nov 28 at 18:32
Postmodernism dazes.
133
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asked Nov 28 at 18:32
Postmodernism dazes.
133
asked Nov 28 at 18:32
Postmodernism dazes.
133
133
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Postmodernism dazes. is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Postmodernism dazes. is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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2
To me, the thesis doesn't seem to be using the words in any different way than their dictionary definitions. There is no redefinition going on here, simply normal usage. (Interpreting or believing the passage itself is something else.)
– Jason Bassford
Nov 28 at 18:43
1
What a wonderful passage! As an Australian (and therefore a larrikin colonial incapable of seriousness when in the presence of the British), I can attest to the very real difference between serious/sincere and solemn/earnest, the latter being a disposition commonly associated with U.S. citizens. I presume that on this issue, Canadians – like Australians – are bemused onlookers?
– Chappo
Nov 28 at 22:26
add a comment |
2
To me, the thesis doesn't seem to be using the words in any different way than their dictionary definitions. There is no redefinition going on here, simply normal usage. (Interpreting or believing the passage itself is something else.)
– Jason Bassford
Nov 28 at 18:43
1
What a wonderful passage! As an Australian (and therefore a larrikin colonial incapable of seriousness when in the presence of the British), I can attest to the very real difference between serious/sincere and solemn/earnest, the latter being a disposition commonly associated with U.S. citizens. I presume that on this issue, Canadians – like Australians – are bemused onlookers?
– Chappo
Nov 28 at 22:26
2
2
To me, the thesis doesn't seem to be using the words in any different way than their dictionary definitions. There is no redefinition going on here, simply normal usage. (Interpreting or believing the passage itself is something else.)
– Jason Bassford
Nov 28 at 18:43
To me, the thesis doesn't seem to be using the words in any different way than their dictionary definitions. There is no redefinition going on here, simply normal usage. (Interpreting or believing the passage itself is something else.)
– Jason Bassford
Nov 28 at 18:43
1
1
What a wonderful passage! As an Australian (and therefore a larrikin colonial incapable of seriousness when in the presence of the British), I can attest to the very real difference between serious/sincere and solemn/earnest, the latter being a disposition commonly associated with U.S. citizens. I presume that on this issue, Canadians – like Australians – are bemused onlookers?
– Chappo
Nov 28 at 22:26
What a wonderful passage! As an Australian (and therefore a larrikin colonial incapable of seriousness when in the presence of the British), I can attest to the very real difference between serious/sincere and solemn/earnest, the latter being a disposition commonly associated with U.S. citizens. I presume that on this issue, Canadians – like Australians – are bemused onlookers?
– Chappo
Nov 28 at 22:26
add a comment |
1 Answer
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Both solemn and serious can mean "grave" or "earnest", but:
Serious can also mean "important" or "demanding careful consideration"
Solemn can also mean "ceremonial" or "religious" or "reverent", and implies being somewhat "gloomy".
Examples of things that are serious, but not necessarily solemn, are the birth of child, a graduation party, or a poker game. These occasions are important, but they are not devoid of joy or even humor. (Careful, though, as one of the additional meanings of "serious" can sometimes be "without humor")
An example of a thing that is solemn, but not necessarily serious, might include the 7th inauguration ceremony of a national dictator. They are conducted with great reverence and gravity, but are not really very important.
See John Cleese's commentary on the matter at "John Cleese Explains The Difference Between Serious And Solemn"
answered Nov 29 at 22:06
Mark Beadles
19.7k35486
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
0
down vote
accepted
Both solemn and serious can mean "grave" or "earnest", but:
Serious can also mean "important" or "demanding careful consideration"
Solemn can also mean "ceremonial" or "religious" or "reverent", and implies being somewhat "gloomy".
Examples of things that are serious, but not necessarily solemn, are the birth of child, a graduation party, or a poker game. These occasions are important, but they are not devoid of joy or even humor. (Careful, though, as one of the additional meanings of "serious" can sometimes be "without humor")
An example of a thing that is solemn, but not necessarily serious, might include the 7th inauguration ceremony of a national dictator. They are conducted with great reverence and gravity, but are not really very important.
See John Cleese's commentary on the matter at "John Cleese Explains The Difference Between Serious And Solemn"
answered Nov 29 at 22:06
Mark Beadles
19.7k35486
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
accepted
Both solemn and serious can mean "grave" or "earnest", but:
Serious can also mean "important" or "demanding careful consideration"
Solemn can also mean "ceremonial" or "religious" or "reverent", and implies being somewhat "gloomy".
Examples of things that are serious, but not necessarily solemn, are the birth of child, a graduation party, or a poker game. These occasions are important, but they are not devoid of joy or even humor. (Careful, though, as one of the additional meanings of "serious" can sometimes be "without humor")
An example of a thing that is solemn, but not necessarily serious, might include the 7th inauguration ceremony of a national dictator. They are conducted with great reverence and gravity, but are not really very important.
See John Cleese's commentary on the matter at "John Cleese Explains The Difference Between Serious And Solemn"
answered Nov 29 at 22:06
Mark Beadles
19.7k35486
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
accepted
up vote
0
down vote
accepted
Both solemn and serious can mean "grave" or "earnest", but:
Serious can also mean "important" or "demanding careful consideration"
Solemn can also mean "ceremonial" or "religious" or "reverent", and implies being somewhat "gloomy".
Examples of things that are serious, but not necessarily solemn, are the birth of child, a graduation party, or a poker game. These occasions are important, but they are not devoid of joy or even humor. (Careful, though, as one of the additional meanings of "serious" can sometimes be "without humor")
An example of a thing that is solemn, but not necessarily serious, might include the 7th inauguration ceremony of a national dictator. They are conducted with great reverence and gravity, but are not really very important.
See John Cleese's commentary on the matter at "John Cleese Explains The Difference Between Serious And Solemn"
answered Nov 29 at 22:06
Mark Beadles
19.7k35486
Both solemn and serious can mean "grave" or "earnest", but:
Serious can also mean "important" or "demanding careful consideration"
Solemn can also mean "ceremonial" or "religious" or "reverent", and implies being somewhat "gloomy".
Examples of things that are serious, but not necessarily solemn, are the birth of child, a graduation party, or a poker game. These occasions are important, but they are not devoid of joy or even humor. (Careful, though, as one of the additional meanings of "serious" can sometimes be "without humor")
An example of a thing that is solemn, but not necessarily serious, might include the 7th inauguration ceremony of a national dictator. They are conducted with great reverence and gravity, but are not really very important.
See John Cleese's commentary on the matter at "John Cleese Explains The Difference Between Serious And Solemn"
answered Nov 29 at 22:06
Mark Beadles
19.7k35486
answered Nov 29 at 22:06
Mark Beadles
19.7k35486
answered Nov 29 at 22:06
Mark Beadles
19.7k35486
answered Nov 29 at 22:06
Mark Beadles
19.7k35486
19.7k35486
add a comment |
add a comment |
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2
To me, the thesis doesn't seem to be using the words in any different way than their dictionary definitions. There is no redefinition going on here, simply normal usage. (Interpreting or believing the passage itself is something else.)
– Jason Bassford
Nov 28 at 18:43
1
What a wonderful passage! As an Australian (and therefore a larrikin colonial incapable of seriousness when in the presence of the British), I can attest to the very real difference between serious/sincere and solemn/earnest, the latter being a disposition commonly associated with U.S. citizens. I presume that on this issue, Canadians – like Australians – are bemused onlookers?
– Chappo
Nov 28 at 22:26