Definition of firm
1a : securely or solidly fixed in place his teeth were firmb : not weak or uncertain : vigorous a firm handshakec : having a solid or compact structure that resists stress or pressure firm apples
2a (1) : not subject to change or revision a firm offer a firm date (2) : not subject to price weakness : steady firm commoditiesb : not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast a firm believer in democracyc : well-founded firm evidence of criminal activity
3 : indicating firmness or resolution a firm mouth a firm voice
firmly
adverbfirmness
nounPeople Are Reading
Examples of firm in a Sentence
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.
Recent Examples of firm from the Web
-
Measuring a firm’s balance-sheet leverage involves a few moving parts, which may explain some of the muddle over borrowing.
-
The approach also put Bannon on firmer ground after a rocky patch just weeks earlier, in part because of feuds with Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and senior adviser.
-
As a heatwave rolls through Britain, teen students at the Isca Academy in Exeter have begun protesting their school’s firm ban on shorts for boys by wearing their sisters’ and friends’ uniform skirts.
-
By 1987, Wonder Woman’s print comic sales were down, and a revolving door of writers and artists struggled to find a firm identity for the character.
-
For a brunch on her Nashville patio, Gen Sohr — cofounder of design firm Pencil & Paper Co. — infuses a classic palette with zesty citrus hues.
-
Valcuha set forth his credentials with a varied and interesting program representing a cook's tour of musical styles, interpreted with the firm authority CSO musicians expect, but don't always receive, from newcomers.
-
The crucial thing is to be firm but gentle, this is not the time to use force.
-
Cook until golden and firm, about three minutes per side. 2.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'firm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of firm
Middle English ferm, from Anglo-French, from Latin firmus; akin to Greek thronos chair, throne
Origin and Etymology of firm
see 1firm
firm
Definition of firm
transitive verb
1a : to make secure or fast : tighten firming her grip on the racquet —often used with upb : 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
Origin and Etymology of firm
see 1firm
firm
Definition of firm
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
Examples of firm in a Sentence
merged with another firm to become a major player in the brokerage business
Recent Examples of firm from the Web
-
City Manager Rick Kozal called Pancor a prestige developer and noted the city has worked with the firm on numerous occasions to get projects to the finish line.
-
Joining The Ranch star at the discussion will be Effie Epstein, his partner at Sound Ventures, a venture capital firm founded by Kutcher and Guy Oseary.
-
Miranda isn’t alone; out of the almost 2,000 married people polled in a survey by the law firm Slater and Gordon almost 25 percent argued weekly—and 17 percent reported daily conflict—because of social media activity.
-
The firm thereby abetted in genocide and circumvented American sanctions on Sudan.
-
Mama Essie upholds domestic standards, gently, her firm first judgments always seeming to soften up in negotiation.
-
Orchard's purchase of the property will not actually be finalized until after a due diligence period is completed by the firm, which according to the timeline would be in January 2018.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'firm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of firm
German Firma, from Italian, signature, ultimately from Latin firmare to make firm, confirm, from firmus
Other Business Terms
FIRM Defined for English Language Learners
firm
playDefinition of firm for English Language Learners
-
: fairly hard or solid : not soft
-
: set, placed, or attached in a way that is not easily moved
-
: not weak or uncertain
firm
Definition of firm for English Language Learners
-
: to put (something, such as a plan) into a final form
-
: to make (something) harder or more solid : to make (something) less loose
-
: to make (something) stronger
firm
Definition of firm for English Language Learners
-
: a business organization
FIRM Defined for Kids
Definition of firm for Students
firmer
;firmest
firmly
adverb firmly attachedfirmness
nounDefinition of firm for Students
firmed
;firming
1 : to make or become hard or solid Gently firm the soil. The gelatin will firm in an hour.
2 : to make more secure or strong She firmed her grip on the racquet.
3 : to put into final form We need to firm our plans.
Law Dictionary
firm
Legal Definition of firm
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
Origin and Etymology of firm
German Firma, from Italian, signature, ultimately from Latin firmare to make firm, confirm
Learn More about firm
-
See words that rhyme with firm Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for firm Spanish Central: Translation of firm Nglish: Translation of firm for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of firm for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up firm? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!