solemnly

[sol-uhm-lee]

adverb

1. in a grave, sober, or mirthless fashion.

   She took me aside, solemnly laid her hand on my shoulder, and said, “You must keep all this going when I'm gone.”

2. in a gravely or somberly impressive manner; in a way that causes serious thoughts.

   We are solemnly reminded by this week’s events just how prevalent domestic violence still is.

3. in a serious, earnest, formal, or ceremonious manner.

   We watched the new doctors solemnly pledge to always be loyal to the welfare of the patients who come under their care.

4. in a way that is legally binding, as a declaration or agreement.

   I do solemnly swear or affirm that I requested and returned the absentee ballot, and that I have not and will not vote more than one ballot in this election.

5. in a way that involves religious forms or rites.

   The chapel was solemnly consecrated on the 25th of June, 1951.

Other Word Forms

• oversolemnly adverb
• semisolemnly adverb
• supersolemnly adverb
• unsolemnly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of solemnly¹

solemn ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

One of the group turned around and announced, very solemnly: "Nasty Nick's gone."

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His staid superhero movie plays like classic sci-fi in which adults wearing sweater vests solemnly brainstorm how to resolve a crisis.

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Family, friends and locals stood solemnly and at times silently wept as law enforcement officials spoke of Riveros’ work and presence in the community.

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Men I dated would meet the cat, and I would solemnly explain I wasn’t really a cat person.

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A group of Ukrainian soldiers joined the march, solemnly parading a Ukrainian flag and wearing military uniform.

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Related Words

• earnestly 
• soberly www.thesaurus.com