The term DECLARES SOLEMNLY can be broken down into two crossword solutions: AVOWS (5 letters) and AFFIRMS (7 letters). Both words mean to state something positively and with conviction. AVOWS is a more formal way of saying 'declares' while AFFIRMS is a more casual way of saying the same thing. Both words imply that the speaker is making a serious statement and is confident in what they are saying. Therefore, the term DECLARES SOLEMNLY can be interpreted as someone making a serious and confident statement.