firm

1 of 4

adjective

ˈfərm 

1

a

: securely or solidly fixed in place

The foot provided a firm base for an upright stance …

—B. Bower

b

: not weak or uncertain : vigorous

a firm handshake

maintained firm control

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

firm friends

c

: well-founded

firm evidence of criminal activity

3

: indicating firmness or resolution

Spoke in a firm voice.

firmly adverb

firmness noun

firm

2 of 4

adverb

: in a firm manner : steadfastly, fixedly

… in a sharp deceleration, the locks hold firm.

—Frank Anders

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

Good financial numbers firmed up expectations of a merger.

intransitive verb

1

: to become firm : harden

—often used with up

The custard firms up as it cools.

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 of firm

Adjective

• solid
• strong
• sturdy
• vigorous
• robust

Verb

• freeze
• harden

Noun

• company
• house
• business

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

The walnut desks, the Carrera marble, the Morrocan tile, the Savoir beds (so firm-soft that Goldilocks would weep)—it’s all elegant yet easy, thrown together with savvy intention. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2026

This may mean changing your mindset; this may mean family therapy; this may mean taking a firmer stance on ground rules for respect in the home, in conjunction with your husband. —R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026

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

Still, concern has been growing in Washington about the firming ties between China, Iran, Russia and North Korea. —John Liu, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026

Although this retinol firming stick can be used on the face, neck, chest, and backs of hands, RoC’s lineup has other products that are meant to target specific areas and concerns. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026

Noun

Tallen said his firm has a history of turning around distressed properties in good locations. —Sacbee.com, 7 Mar. 2026

Robin Mills, chief executive of Qamar Energy, a consulting firm in Dubai, said there was a disconnect between the price and the geopolitical situation. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026

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
• private equity firm
• stand firm
• take a firm line

Rhymes for firm

• berm
• ferm
• germ
• herm
• sperm
• squirm
• term
• therm
• worm
• wurm
• affirm
• bookworm

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