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
nounExplore M-W
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.
Origin and Etymology of firm
Middle English ferm, from Anglo-French, from Latin firmus; akin to Greek thronos chair, throne
First Known Use: 14th century
Origin and Etymology of firm
see 1firm
First Known Use: 14th century
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
First Known Use: 14th century
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
Origin and Etymology of firm
German Firma, from Italian, signature, ultimately from Latin firmare to make firm, confirm, from firmus
First Known Use: 1744
Other Business Terms
FIRM Defined for English Language Learners
firm
playDefinition of firm for English Language Learners
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: fairly hard or solid : not soft
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: set, placed, or attached in a way that is not easily moved
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: not weak or uncertain
firm
Definition of firm for English Language Learners
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: to put (something, such as a plan) into a final form
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: to make (something) harder or more solid : to make (something) less loose
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: to make (something) stronger
firm
Definition of firm for English Language Learners
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: 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
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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
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