Meaning & use
solemnly
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Meanings
adverbnot comparable
In a serious, quiet and dignified way, without any joking.
Grammar: Describes how someone acts: nodded solemnly.
Patterns
- nod solemnly
- speak solemnly
The mourners walked solemnly behind the coffin.
He nodded solemnly at the news.
The judge spoke solemnly to the jury.
adverbnot comparableformal
In a formal and sincere way, as when making an oath or promise.
Grammar: Often placed before verbs like swear or promise.
Patterns
- solemnly swear
- solemnly promise
I solemnly swear to tell the truth.
She solemnly promised to keep the secret.
They solemnly declared the meeting open.
Common combinations
- solemnly swear
- I solemnly swear that I'll be on time.
- solemnly promise
- He solemnly promised to return.
- nod solemnly
- The teacher nodded solemnly.
- solemnly declare
- We solemnly declare our support.
- stand solemnly
- Soldiers stood solemnly at attention.
Synonyms and how they differ
- gravely
- Gravely suggests worry or seriousness about a problem, while solemnly suggests dignity and ceremony.
- seriously
- Seriously is the everyday word and carries no sense of ceremony.
- earnestly
- Earnestly emphasizes sincerity and effort rather than formality.
- sombrely
- Sombrely adds a sad or gloomy tone that solemnly does not always have.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: solemnly or solemn?
solemnly vs solemn
Solemn is the adjective (a solemn face), and solemnly is the adverb (he spoke solemnly).
Practice
At the ceremony, she raised her hand and ___ swore to protect the rights of the citizens.
Choose one answer.
Solemnly fits a formal oath. Casually is the opposite tone and would sound wrong at a ceremony.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “solemnly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.