“Solid” and “stolid” sound similar but have very different meanings, especially when referring to a person’s character. “Solid” suggests reliability and strength, while “stolid” refers to a person who is unemotional or indifferent.
Solid
Definition:
“Solid” is used to describe something that is firm, reliable, and dependable. When referring to a person, it suggests someone with strong moral character or trustworthiness.
Examples:
He has a reputation as a solid citizen who always helps his community.
Her solid work ethic earned her a promotion at the company.
The project was built on a solid foundation of research and teamwork.
Stolid
Definition:
“Stolid” means showing little or no emotion, being stoic, or having a calm and unresponsive demeanor. It often describes a person who is indifferent to excitement or stress.
Examples:
The funny entertainer could even make a stolid person let loose with laughter.
Despite the chaos around him, his stolid expression remained unchanged.
She delivered the bad news with a stolid calmness, surprising everyone in the room.
While “solid” refers to someone who is dependable and reliable, “stolid” describes a person who remains unemotional or detached. These words capture two very different character traits, so it’s important to use them in the right context to avoid confusion.
