# firm

/ˈfɝm/ (US) · /fˈɜːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/firm
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. solid or hard

adjective · CEFR A2

solid and strong, but not completely hard like a rock.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. fixed or certain

adjective · CEFR B1

fixed and unlikely to change, such as a decision or a price.

For teachers: fixed, stable, or definite; not subject to change or fluctuation.

- 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.

### 3. strict or determined

adjective · CEFR B1

strict and sure about what you want, without being mean.

For teachers: showing determination and strength of character; not easily influenced or shaken.

- 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.

### 4. a company

noun · CEFR A2

a business or a company, especially one that provides a professional service.

For teachers: a commercial partnership or business enterprise, often used for professional services like law or accounting.

- 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.

### 5. hooligan group

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang

a group of violent football fans or a criminal gang.

For teachers: 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.

### 6. to become steady

verb · CEFR B2

to become steady or stop changing, especially in price.

For teachers: 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.

### 7. to make a choice

verb · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal

to choose a university as your first and main choice.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- She works for a large law firm in the city.
- After ten years of working for others, he decided to start his own consulting firm.
- The merger between the two rival firms created a dominant market entity that raised significant antitrust concerns among federal regulators.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.