solemnly
Americanadverb
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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in a way that involves religious forms or rites.
The chapel was solemnly consecrated on the 25th of June, 1951.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of solemnly
Explanation
To do something solemnly is to do it in a grave and earnest manner. While you might wear black to both a funeral and an art opening, it’s appropriate to behave more solemnly at the funeral. Solemnly carries a sense of seriousness and dignity. If you're a witness in court, you'll be asked, "Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" This would not be the time to bust out your clown nose. There are other scenarios where it’s appropriate to behave solemnly, like at a religious ceremony or at the bedside of an ill relative, but try not to act that way at a kid's birthday party.
Vocabulary lists containing solemnly
The Diary of Anne Frank
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"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs
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Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I A Woman?" (1863)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Dorsainvil appeared to be in shock while sitting solemnly beside Pastor Carl Ruby, a leader of local advocacy coalition Springfield G92, in the sanctuary of Central Christian Church.
From Salon ● Jun. 27, 2026
The pair stood solemnly as a bugler played "Taps," before visiting the adjacent display room of military exhibits and artifacts.
From Barron's ● Apr. 30, 2026
Next to the happy-go-lucky Harry, William always came off as the earnest, somewhat colder older brother who seemed to march solemnly toward the inevitable fate of being burdened by the crown.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 11, 2026
In 2023, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak solemnly vowed there would “be no chlorine-washed chicken and no hormone-treated beef on the U.K. market. Not now, not ever.”
From Slate ● Feb. 13, 2026
“The lost dragon must be returned to me,” Sis says solemnly.
From "Dragons in a Bag" by Zetta Elliott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
