• : very serious or formal in manner, behavior, or expression

• : sad and serious

• : done or made sincerely

(Merriam-Webster)

I came across this word while reading You In America where the speaker says: “But you did not tell him because he would look solemn and hold your hand and tell you it was your burnished skin color that first attracted him.” This helps the reader understand that she did not tell him because she thought it would make him sad.