firm
firm Lexical Profile
firm Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having a solid, almost unyielding surface or structure that does not easily give way under pressure.
"The doctor recommended sleeping on a firm mattress to alleviate her chronic lower back pain."
Strongly felt and unlikely to change; resolute and unwavering in purpose, belief, or authority.
"Parents must maintain a firm stance on household rules while remaining empathetic to their children's needs."
Securely fixed in place; steady and not shaking or trembling.
"Make sure the ladder has a firm footing on the level pavement before climbing up to the roof."
Definite, settled, and not subject to further revision or negotiation (especially of an agreement, price, or date).
"Before ordering the materials, the contractor requested a firm commitment and a signed contract from the client."
• noun
A commercial business organization or partnership, especially one composed of professionals providing legal, financial, architectural, or consulting services.
"After graduating from law school, she accepted an associate position at a prestigious international law firm."
• verb
To make or become physically solid, compact, or resilient.
"Chill the pastry dough in the refrigerator for an hour until the butter firms sufficiently to roll out."
To make or become more definite, stable, or secure (especially of financial prices, market values, or plans).
"Crude oil prices firmed in afternoon trading following reports of tightening global supply."
• adverb
In a resolute, steady, and unwavering manner (chiefly used after verbs such as 'stand', 'hold', or 'stay').
"The committee stood firm against intense lobbying and voted to preserve the environmental protections."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a noun, 'firm' most commonly refers to a professional services partnership (such as a law, accounting, or consulting firm) rather than a manufacturing corporation. As a flat adverb, 'firm' is restricted to fixed collocations with verbs like 'stand', 'hold', or 'stay' (e.g., 'stand firm'), whereas 'firmly' is required in general contexts.
• Rhymes for firm
Word Origin & Etymology
The adjective and verb derive from Old French 'ferm', from Latin 'firmus' ('strong, steadfast, enduring'). The noun meaning a business partnership comes separately via Italian 'firma' ('signature') from Medieval Latin 'firma' ('confirmed by signature'), originally referring to the name under which a business transacted.