Stolidly — Definition & Meaning

What does stolidly mean?

Stolidly means in a calm, reserved, and outwardly unemotional way. It describes someone who continues to behave in a steady manner despite bad news, danger, discomfort, or provocation. The word often implies a notable lack of visible reaction, so it can convey admirable patience and restraint, but it may also suggest stubborn emotional reserve or an impassive manner. In ordinary use, “stolidly” appears in descriptions of people enduring difficulty without complaint: a witness may remain stolidly silent, or a traveller may stolidly continue along a difficult road. It is related to the adjective stolid and the noun stolidity, and derives from a Latin word meaning dull, settled, or unchanging. Its distinguishing feature is the combination of physical or emotional composure with a suggestion of immovability.

adverb

In a stolid manner, with calmness and an absence of visible emotional reaction.

Senses

In a calm, unemotional, and unchanging manner.

Example

"He stolidly continued working despite the commotion outside."

More examples

"The soldiers stood stolidly in the rain while the commander spoke."

"She stolidly accepted the criticism and continued working."

Did you know?

Stolidly captures the art of moving through difficulty without changing your expression.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does stolidly come from?

The adverb stolidly derives from the adjective stolid, which comes from Latin stolidus, a word associated with being dull, settled, or unchanging. The English adjective became established in the early 17th century in the sense of impassive or unemotional. The adverb was formed within English by adding the usual suffix -ly to that adjective.

stolid stolidity