firm
- 01 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.
Simple“The mattress was firm enough to support his back during the night.”
In context“The baker kneaded the dough until it felt firm and elastic, indicating that the gluten had developed sufficiently for a good rise.”
- 02 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.
Simple“We don't have a firm date for the wedding yet, but we hope it will be in June.”
In context“Despite the market volatility, the company maintained a firm commitment to its original expansion strategy.”
- 03 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.
Simple“You need to be firm with the dog or he won't obey your commands.”
In context“The negotiator remained firm on the price, refusing to entertain any offers that fell below the board's minimum threshold.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 A2 Elementary
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.
Simple“She works for a famous law firm in the city centre.”
In context“The architectural firm secured the contract after presenting a revolutionary design that integrated sustainable materials with modern aesthetics.”
Synonyms - 05 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The police were watching the rival firms closely before the match started.”
In context“Documentaries often explore the subculture of football firms, focusing on the tribal loyalty and organized violence that defined the era.”
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“Oil prices began to firm up after the news of the trade deal.”
In context“Market analysts noted that share prices started to firm late in the afternoon as investor confidence returned following the central bank's announcement.”
- 07 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“I've decided to firm my offer from Bristol University.”
In context“After visiting several campuses, she finally decided to firm her place at Edinburgh, citing the strength of their research facilities.”
UsageOften used as 'to firm an offer'.
“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.”
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.