Word
solemnly
Phoneticssolemn·ly
US/ˈsɔɫəmɫi/
UK/sˈɒləmli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a very serious and formal way. You use this when someone is not joking and wants to show they are being sincere.
adv. in a formal and dignified manner; with deep sincerity or gravity.
Examples
“He promised solemnly to tell the truth.”
“The witnesses stood and solemnly swore to uphold the law during the ceremony.”
“The judge looked at the defendant and spoke solemnly about the consequences of his actions before delivering the final sentence.”
Examples
simple
“He promised solemnly to tell the truth.”
contextual
“The witnesses stood and solemnly swore to uphold the law during the ceremony.”
complex
“The judge looked at the defendant and spoke solemnly about the consequences of his actions before delivering the final sentence.”
Usage
Manner adverb — typically follows the verb it modifies or sits at the end of the clause.
Real-World Examples
“Kiran Leonard presses the tips of his fingers together and looks at me solemnly across the table.” “Here is a film for all those people who solemnly deplore social media in conversation but haven’t quite got round to deleting their accounts.” “Solemnly she knelt, lifted a shallow red-lacquered bowl brimming with sak and put it to her lips.” Etymology
From solemn + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/solemnly