solemnly

American  

[sol-uhm-lee] / ˈsɒl əm li /

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.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of solemnly

solemn ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

“The past was a very brutal place,” he intoned solemnly.

From Literature

There’s something we all solemnly acknowledge in November and then immediately forget by January: the side dishes are the real reason to show up.

From Salon

"I solemnly swear," Sam whispered, glancing around to be certain no one could hear.

From Literature

The boy nodded solemnly, hoping none of this would get back to the social worker, or Mrs. Winston, who didn’t believe in third chances, and would certainly see this as his third strike.

From Literature

The man in front of me is an officer, commanding me to solemnly swear that I will not share any secrets.

From Literature

Related Words

• earnestly
• soberly