# solidly

/ˈsɑɫədɫi/ (US) · /sˈɒlɪdli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/solidly
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to do something in a strong, steady, or reliable way. It can also mean that something is made of a firm material without any holes or gaps.

For teachers: in a firm, stable, or substantial manner; consistently and reliably over a period of time. Often describes physical construction or the quality of performance.

## Examples

- The house is built solidly on a stone foundation.
- She worked solidly for six hours without taking a single break to finish the report.
- The candidate performed solidly throughout the debate, successfully defending her policy positions without making any significant rhetorical errors that her opponents could exploit.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He worked solid for eight hours." but "He worked solidly for eight hours." — Learners often use the adjective 'solid' as an adverb; 'solidly' is required to modify the verb 'work'.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows the verb it modifies or the direct object.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.