firm

1 of 4

adjective

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

Example Sentences

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. Noun merged with another firm to become a major player in the brokerage business See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Larissa is those things too, but with a firm grasp on the kinds of machinations necessary to maintain the version of herself that captivates audiences the world over and is plastered on posters and billboards. Harper's BAZAAR, 29 May 2023 The contemporary extension was conceived by architect Shohei Shigematsu of the firm OMA New York, who also directed the building’s structural design. Jill Newman, ELLE Decor, 29 May 2023 And Turkey, as a NATO member, have taken quite a firm line against Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 29 May 2023 The laws have been fueled by conservative backlash as Pride parades and festivals have proliferated across the country and drag has found a firm foothold in the mainstream media. Emily Cochrane, New York Times, 28 May 2023 The reconstruction costs from the 2022 Coastal Fire in Southern California were estimated to be $530 million, and only 20 homes were destroyed, according to a report by property solutions firm CoreLogic. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 28 May 2023 Analysts believe that by staging the mass rally, Vucic who has ruled the country for more than a decade with a firm grip on power, is trying to overshadow the opposition protests with the sheer number of participants. Dusan Stojanovic, BostonGlobe.com, 27 May 2023 According to data from analytics firm Numerator, the average Target shoppers are white suburban mothers between 35 and 44 years old, with annual incomes around $80,000. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2023 Looking at early ballot returns, consulting firm Political Data Intelligence found that older voters overperformed; residents over 65 represented nearly half of early votes cast, despite making up less than a third of the Beverly Hills electorate. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2023
Adverb
The Fed plans to publish aggregate findings from the exercise but no firm-specific information. Reuters, NBC News, 29 Sep. 2022 The mandatory disclosure of more firm-specific information has also improved capital allocation across various industries. Diane Hoskins, Fortune, 26 May 2022 For more firm-looking and radiant skin, this professional-grade pair is tops. Megan Mcintyre, Town & Country, 21 Sep. 2021 In addition to the CIO, oversight from a sustainability committee that ensures a firm-wide holistic approach and quality control is helpful. Robert G. Eccles, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2021 After graduating from Yale University in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture (later converted to a master’s degree according to Jack Jr.,) Bialosky Sr. founded the firm now known as Bialosky Cleveland. Steven Litt, cleveland, 17 Apr. 2020 Another prominent original occupant — the trust company occupied about half the building — was the Los Angeles law firm now known as O’Melveny & Myers. Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2019 Two law firms, Marchena and Graham and the former Broad & Cassel law firm now known as Nelson Mullins received the bulk of the payments. Beth Kassab, orlandosentinel.com, 18 Sep. 2019 Morse is one of Michigan's most visible attorneys with TV spots and billboard ads that call his personal injury law firm the largest in the state. Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 3 July 2019
Verb
With the help of five precious Korean herbs, the lightweight elixir smooths and hydrates the driest of skin while firming and inducing a gorgeous radiance. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 27 Feb. 2023 The base of the mask is made of Mediterranean rose clay, which is known for reducing the appearance of pores and even puffiness, and if used over time can help lift and firm the skin, while also reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Olivia Hanson, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2023 Upgrade your skin routine with this deal on NuFace's culty Trinity Facial Toning Device that uses microcurrent technology to lift and firm your facial contours while minimizing fine lines. Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Oct. 2022 Robins is an active angel investor, backing ventures such as digital lottery company Jackpot.com, collectibles firm WAX Insurance, fintech company Grow Credit, and intelligence and market research company Sports Innovation Lab. Jason Robins, Boston Globe, 11 May 2023 While a day has not been firmed up, sources close to the investigation told ABC News that Tuesday is the day being discussed by Trump's legal team and the Manhattan DA's office. Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2023 The film had taken on several iterations over the years — Justin Timberlake was slated to play Neil and co-produce for a period in the early 2010s — but as the film’s casting and shoot dates firmed up late in 2018, Tim had a dark night of the soul about the lead. Jem Aswad, Variety, 22 Mar. 2023 Jane McAlevey, a prominent organizer and an author who had been advising the group, led two intensive training sessions to help firm up support among JFK8 workers and pressure the company to negotiate. Noam Scheiber, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2023 Treasury yields rose Tuesday as investors' expectations of another Federal Reserve interest-rate increase firmed up ahead of the conclusion of the central bank's policy meeting tomorrow. Matt Grossman, WSJ, 21 Mar. 2023
Noun
Their firm, Jíbaro Furniture, makes use of hardwoods and cattail. Javier E. Piñero, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 May 2023 The company’s financial report for the year ending in March forecast a $1.6 billion (1.5 billion euros) decline in free cash flow for this year, and the job cuts are the biggest in the firm’s history, according to Reuters. Adela Suliman, Washington Post, 16 May 2023 Big deal In the asset management sector worldwide this year, through May 2, private equity and venture capital firms announced $5 billion of investments across 43 transactions, S&P Global Market Intelligence finds. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 16 May 2023 Private investment firm Corsair Capital is betting that a new terminal at New York’s LaGuardia Airport can serve as a model for public-private partnerships aimed at rebuilding U.S. infrastructure. Luis Garcia, WSJ, 15 May 2023 Global firms have been rattled by raids on international consultancies. Laura He, CNN, 15 May 2023 Those firms have diverted waterways to mine riverbeds, researchers say, damaging the environment and angering local populations. Elian Peltier, New York Times, 15 May 2023 Gibson said the firm was amazed by CoCounsel’s capabilities. Clara Niel, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2023 The firm has built more than 25 million square feet of warehouses and has another 18 million square feet in the development pipeline. Steve Brown, Dallas News, 12 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'firm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of firm was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near firm

Cite this Entry

“Firm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firm. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

firm

1 of 4 adjective
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

More from Merriam-Webster on firm

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