Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SOL'EMN-LY, adv.

1. With gravity and religious reverence. Let us solemnly address the throne of grace.
2. With official formalities and by due authority. This question of law has been solemnly decided in the highest court.
3. With formal state.
4. With formal gravity and stateliness, or with affected gravity. There in deaf murmurs solemnly are wise. – Dryden.
5. With religious seriousness; as, I solemnly declare myself innocent. I do solemnly assure the reader. – Swift.