Word
firm
US/ˈfɝm/
UK/fˈɜːm/
Definitions
01solid or hard
A2 · Elementary
adj. solid and strong, but not completely hard like a rock.
adj. having a solid, almost unyielding surface or structure; resistant to pressure but not necessarily brittle.
“The mattress was firm enough to support his back during the night.”
“The baker kneaded the dough until it felt firm and elastic, indicating that the gluten had developed sufficiently for a good rise.”
02fixed or certain
B1 · Intermediate
adj. fixed and unlikely to change, such as a decision or a price.
adj. fixed, stable, or definite; not subject to change or fluctuation.
日本語:確固※
“We don't have a firm date for the wedding yet, but we hope it will be in June.”
“Despite the market volatility, the company maintained a firm commitment to its original expansion strategy.”
03strict or determined
B1 · Intermediate
adj. strict and sure about what you want, without being mean.
adj. showing determination and strength of character; not easily influenced or shaken.
日本語:断固※
“You need to be firm with the dog or he won't obey your commands.”
“The negotiator remained firm on the price, refusing to entertain any offers that fell below the board's minimum threshold.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04a company
A2 · Elementary Countable noun Business
n. a business or a company, especially one that provides a professional service.
n. a commercial partnership or business enterprise, often used for professional services like law or accounting.
Español:firma
“She works for a famous law firm in the city centre.”
“The architectural firm secured the contract after presenting a revolutionary design that integrated sustainable materials with modern aesthetics.”
Synonyms
05hooligan group
C1 · Advanced Countable noun British English · Slang
n. a group of violent football fans or a criminal gang.
n. a gang of criminals or a group of football hooligans associated with a specific club.
“The police were watching the rival firms closely before the match started.”
“Documentaries often explore the subculture of football firms, focusing on the tribal loyalty and organized violence that defined the era.”
06to become steady
B2 · Upper Intermediate Economics
v. to become steady or stop changing, especially in price.
v. to become solid or stable; often used in financial contexts to describe prices stopping their decline.
“Oil prices began to firm up after the news of the trade deal.”
“Market analysts noted that share prices started to firm late in the afternoon as investor confidence returned following the central bank's announcement.”
07to make a choice
C1 · Advanced British English · Informal
v. to choose a university as your first and main choice.
v. to confirm a conditional offer from a higher education institution as one's primary choice.
“I've decided to firm my offer from Bristol University.”
“After visiting several campuses, she finally decided to firm her place at Edinburgh, citing the strength of their research facilities.”
Usage
Often used as 'to firm an offer'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “firm” in context.
Adjective
01. firm believer
“She is a firm believer in the importance of daily exercise for mental health.”
adj + noun
02. firm commitment
“The government made a firm commitment to reduce carbon emissions by next year.”
adj + noun
03. firm handshake
“He greeted the interviewer with a firm handshake to show his confidence.”
adj + noun
04. remain firm
“Despite the pressure from his colleagues, he remained firm in his decision to resign.”
verb + adj
Noun
05. consulting firm
“The company hired a management consulting firm to improve their efficiency.”
noun + noun
06. law firm
“After graduating, she joined a prestigious law firm in the city center.”
noun + noun
Adverb
07. fairly firm
“The mattress was fairly firm, which was exactly what I needed for my back pain.”
adv + adj
08. stand firm
“The protesters stood firm against the new regulations despite the threats.”
verb + adv
Real-World Examples
“But the three Spanish firms that own the site - Iberdrola, Endesa and Naturgy - asked the government last year to allow Almaraz to remain in service for another two years.” “He left the White House in 2018 and started a private firm that worked with Trump's 2020 campaign.” “His business recently set up an office in Japan to sell its AI systems to firms in the country.” “More than 10 firms now pay up to $100,000 a month for fast access to Truth Social posts.” Etymology
From Italian firma (“signature”), from firmare (“to sign”), from Latin firmāre (“to make firm, to confirm (by signature)”), from firmus (“firm, stable”). The contemporary sense developed in the 18th century simultaneously with German Firma (“business, name of business”). There are conflicting statements in the literature as to which of the two languages influenced which. Doublet of dharma and dhamma. Other cognates include Russian держать (deržatʹ, “to hold”).
From Middle English ferme, from Old French ferme, from Latin firmus (“strong, steady”). Doublet of dharma.
From Middle English fermen (“to make firm”), partly from (either through Old French fermer or directly) Latin firmō, from firmus (“firm”, adjective), and partly a new formation on the adjective.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/firm
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0