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."

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

Related Words

• earnestly 
• soberly www.thesaurus.com