firm
adj. · n. · v.-
1 solid or hard (adj.) A2 Elementarysolid and strong, but not completely hard like a rock.
having a solid, almost unyielding surface or structure; resistant to pressure but not necessarily brittle.
ExampleThe mattress was firm enough to support his back during the night.
ExampleThe baker kneaded the dough until it felt firm and elastic, indicating that the gluten had developed sufficiently for a good rise.
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2 fixed or certain (adj.) B1 Intermediatefixed and unlikely to change, such as a decision or a price.
fixed, stable, or definite; not subject to change or fluctuation.
ExampleWe don't have a firm date for the wedding yet, but we hope it will be in June.
ExampleDespite the market volatility, the company maintained a firm commitment to its original expansion strategy.
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3 strict or determined (adj.) B1 Intermediatestrict and sure about what you want, without being mean.
showing determination and strength of character; not easily influenced or shaken.
ExampleYou need to be firm with the dog or he won't obey your commands.
ExampleThe negotiator remained firm on the price, refusing to entertain any offers that fell below the board's minimum threshold.
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4 a company (n.) A2 Elementary Businessa business or a company, especially one that provides a professional service.
a commercial partnership or business enterprise, often used for professional services like law or accounting.
ExampleShe works for a famous law firm in the city centre.
ExampleThe architectural firm secured the contract after presenting a revolutionary design that integrated sustainable materials with modern aesthetics.
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5 hooligan group (n.) C1 Advanced British English Slanga group of violent football fans or a criminal gang.
a gang of criminals or a group of football hooligans associated with a specific club.
ExampleThe police were watching the rival firms closely before the match started.
ExampleDocumentaries often explore the subculture of football firms, focusing on the tribal loyalty and organized violence that defined the era.
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6 to become steady (v.) B2 Upper Intermediate Economicsto become steady or stop changing, especially in price.
to become solid or stable; often used in financial contexts to describe prices stopping their decline.
ExampleOil prices began to firm up after the news of the trade deal.
ExampleMarket analysts noted that share prices started to firm late in the afternoon as investor confidence returned following the central bank's announcement.
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7 to make a choice (v.) C1 Advanced British English Informalto choose a university as your first and main choice.
to confirm a conditional offer from a higher education institution as one's primary choice.
ExampleI've decided to firm my offer from Bristol University.
ExampleAfter 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'.
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.