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 French Academy of Sciences tried a similar approach in the late 18th century, solemnly declaring that rocks couldn’t fall from the sky because there were no rocks in the sky.

From The Wall Street Journal

“She will be mad at us,” Cassiopeia declared solemnly.

From Literature

They solemnly promised to keep the secret, but naturally, the children suspected that this was the same surprise meant for Lady Constance.

From Literature

“Mr. Harley-Dickinson, I must be frank with you,” she said solemnly.

From Literature

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese embassy and consulates in Japan solemnly remind Chinese citizens to avoid travelling to Japan in the near future."

From Barron's

Related Words

• earnestly
• soberly