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solidly

B1
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /sˈɒlɪdli/

US

  • /ˈsɑlədli/

Description

To do something "solidly" means to do it in a firm, reliable, and complete way. It gives the sense that something is strong, steady, and not likely to fail. A carpenter might build a table solidly, meaning it is well made and will not wobble. In the same way, a person can support an argument solidly with clear evidence, or a business can be solidly profitable year after year.

The word is often about strength and trust, but it can also mean doing something without a break. If you work solidly for three hours, you keep going the whole time. In many cases, it suggests that something is well supported, firmly in place, or able to hold up under pressure.

Examples

  1. 1

    Construction

    The cabin was solidly built and stayed warm all winter.

  2. 2

    Attachment

    The shelf is solidly attached to the wall, so it won't fall.

  3. 3

    Sports score

    By halftime, our team was solidly in the lead.

    • Phrase

      solidly in the lead

      clearly ahead and unlikely to lose that position soon

  4. 4

    Institutional support

    Most teachers are solidly behind the new reading program.

    • Pattern

      solidly behind + person/plan

      strongly supporting them or it

  5. 5

    Social class

    She grew up in a solidly middle-class neighborhood.

    • Phrase

      solidly middle-class

      clearly and typically middle-class

  6. 6

    Research quality

    The book is solidly researched, even if it isn't very exciting.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • solidlyadverb