Question

the violence was particularly shocking because the protests coincided with ashura, a solemn day in the shia calendar that commemorates the martyrdom of hosein, a grandson of the prophet muhammad. in this sentence, solemn means: broad in scope or content devoting full strength and concentrated attention to dignified and somber in manner or character showing or characterized by broad - mindedness

Explanation:

The word "solemn" is used to describe a day (Ashura) that commemorates martyrdom. In the context of commemorating a significant and serious event (martyrdom of a religious figure), the meaning of "solemn" should relate to dignity and somberness.

• "Broad in scope or content" is about size or range, not relevant to the context of a commemorative day.
• "Devoting full strength and concentrated attention to" is more about action (like concentrating on a task), not about the nature of a day.
• "Showing or characterized by broad - mindedness" is about being open - minded, which is not related to commemorating martyrdom.
• "Dignified and somber in manner or character" fits well as Ashura is a day with a serious and respectful (dignified) and sad (somber) undertone due to the commemoration of martyrdom.

Answer:

dignified and somber in manner or character