firm

1 of 4

adjective

ˈfərm 

1

a

: securely or solidly fixed in place

his teeth were firm

b

: not weak or uncertain : vigorous

a firm handshake

c

: having a solid or compact structure that resists stress or pressure

firm apples

2

a(1)

: not subject to change or revision

a firm offer

a firm date

(2)

: not subject to price weakness : steady

firm commodities

b

: not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast

a firm believer in democracy

c

: well-founded

firm evidence of criminal activity

3

: indicating firmness or resolution

a firm mouth

a firm voice

firmly adverb

firmness noun

firm

2 of 4

adverb

: in a firm manner : steadfastly, fixedly

firm

3 of 4

verb

firmed; firming; firms

transitive verb

1

a

: to make secure or fast : tighten

firming her grip on the racquet

—often used with up

b

: to make solid or compact

firm the soil

2

: to put into final form : settle

firm a contract

firm up plans

3

: to give additional support to : strengthen

—usually used with up

intransitive verb

1

: to become firm : harden

—often used with up

2

: to recover from a decline : improve

the market is firming

firm

4 of 4

noun

1

: the name or title under which a company transacts business

2

: a partnership of two or more persons that is not recognized as a legal person distinct from the members composing it

3

: a business unit or enterprise

Synonyms

Adjective

• forceful
• hearty
• iron
• lusty
• robust
• solid
• stout
• strong
• sturdy
• vigorous

Verb

• concrete
• congeal
• freeze
• harden
• indurate
• set
• solidify

Noun

• business
• company
• concern
• enterprise
• establishment
• house
• interest
• outfit

Examples of firm in a Sentence

Adjective

She has a firm grasp of the basic principles.

They insist on maintaining firm control over the project.

He spoke to her in a soft but firm voice.

The time has come for us to take a firm stand.

The children need gentle but firm handling.

Verb

wait for the modeling clay to firm up before handling the finished pot

Noun

merged with another firm to become a major player in the brokerage business

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Instead, the West needs to develop a coordinated response that is firm but fair, tailored to China’s current economic and geopolitical situation. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024

Because of the latex layers, the firm side might not be quite firm enough for stomach sleepers, though. —Lindsay Boyers, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2024

Adverb

The Golden Knights generated multiple good chances, but Quick and the rest of Los Angeles' makeshift defense held firm once again to preserve the tie. —Tim Hackett, SI.com, 14 Apr. 2018

Verb

Yes, wrinkle creams do actually work to smooth, plump, and firm the look of skin over time. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2024

And droves of shoppers are grabbing this Gold Bond face and body lotion that softens and firms the skin. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024

Noun

The 3,400-seat Dolby has been been managed by investment firm Canyon Partners and owned by California Public Employees’ Retirement System. —Erik Hayden, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Oct. 2024

During the same period, hedge fund titan Ken Griffin more than tripled his stake in the company and now owns 5.3% of the shares through his investment firm Citadel. —Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective, Adverb, and Verb

Middle English ferm, from Anglo-French, from Latin firmus; akin to Greek thronos chair, throne

Noun

German Firma, from Italian, signature, ultimately from Latin firmare to make firm, confirm, from firmus

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1744, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing firm

• hold firm
• law firm
• on firm ground/footing
• stand firm
• take a firm line

Kids Definition

firm

1 of 4 adjective

ˈfərm 

1

a

: solidly fixed in place

b

: not weak or uncertain : vigorous

c

: having a solid or compact texture

2

a

: not likely to be changed

a firm offer

b

: not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast

a firm believer

3

: indicating firmness or determination

firmly adverb

firmness noun

firm

2 of 4 adverb

: in a firm manner

stood firm

firm

3 of 4 verb

1

a

: to make secure

firm your grip on the racket

b

: to make solid or compact

firm the soil

2

: to become firm

firm

4 of 4 noun

: a business organization

law firm

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English ferm "firm, secure," from early French ferm (same meaning), from Latin firmus "firm, secure, solid"

Noun

from German firma "the name or sign under which a company does business," from Italian firma "signature," derived from Latin firmare "to make firm, to approve, to sign," from firmus "firm, secure"

Legal Definition

firm

noun

1

: the name or title under which a company transacts business

2

: a partnership of two or more persons that is not recognized as a legal person distinct from the members composing it

3

: a business unit or enterprise

Etymology

Noun

German Firma, from Italian, signature, ultimately from Latin firmare to make firm, confirm