solemnly
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.”
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.
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.
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.
in a way that involves religious forms or rites:The chapel was solemnly consecrated on the 25th of June, 1951.
Origin of solemnly
1Other words from solemnly
- o·ver·sol·emn·ly, adverb
- sem·i·sol·emn·ly, adverb
- su·per·sol·emn·ly, adverb
- un·sol·emn·ly, adverb
Words Nearby solemnly
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use solemnly in a sentence
In most of the seven self-portraits at Connersmith, Jessica Maria Hopkins gazes directly, and solemnly, at the viewer.
In the galleries: A painful, political take on the art of cruel shoes | Mark Jenkins | April 9, 2021 | Washington PostShe was taken aback when he examined her with his toy stethoscope and responded, solemnly, “Not well, you’ve got coronavirus.”
Covid has invaded our kids’ pretend play. Experts say it’s a good thing. | Julia Pelly | November 23, 2020 | Washington PostOn Tuesday, the College Football Playoff selection committee will solemnly announce its first weekly rankings of 2020.
Cincinnati and BYU are making a case for the College Football Playoff. Is anyone listening? | John Feinstein | November 20, 2020 | Washington PostHe’s reading from a pulpit, bowing his head in prayer, or standing solemnly in front of a church’s stained-glass window.
Barrett confirmation hearing day three: Barrett declines to say whether it’s wrong to separate migrant children from parents | Derek Hawkins, Seung Min Kim, Ann Marimow, Karoun Demirjian | October 14, 2020 | Washington PostYou’re solemnly going through the remains at the concentration camp.
Video Games May Be Key to Keeping World War II Memory Alive. Here Are 5 WWII Games Worth Playing, According to a Historian | Olivia B. Waxman | August 27, 2020 | Time
In America: The National Catholic Review, for example, John Nassivera solemnly intones that ectogenesis is “a very serious thing.”
The Artificial Womb Will Change Feminism Forever | Samantha Allen | August 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTFour white-gloved cops in dress uniform solemnly carried in the tiny coffin.
These are not folks coming to solemnly worship during the several visiting hours open to non-Muslims.
Colleague John Guy shook hands solemnly with Zimmerman's counsel and murmured, "Congratulations."
George Zimmerman Found Not Guilty; Looks Forward to 'Getting His Life Back' | Jacqui Goddard | July 14, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST“We celebrated mass publicly together and hugged solemnly,” Jalics would recall.
Pope Francis Has Done Penance for His Lapse of Courage in Argentina | Michael Daly | March 19, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST"They're great pink birds, without any feathers on 'em," replied the Hole-keeper, solemnly.
Davy and The Goblin | Charles E. CarrylNow he was wagging his head solemnly, pulling his beard, and over and over repeating, "But hens is contrary—hens is contrary."
The Soldier of the Valley | Nelson LloydIn the old house at the end of the street another light is blinking solemnly.
The Soldier of the Valley | Nelson LloydIn Covenanting, if God's covenant has been laid hold on before, it is then again solemnly acceded to or renewed.
The Ordinance of Covenanting | John Cunningham"All Ike's property to-day ain't as val'able to me now as that cent was then," Mr. Holmes answered solemnly.
The Soldier of the Valley | Nelson Lloyd
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