- firm
- [[t]fɜ͟ː(r)m[/t]]
♦firms, firming, firmed, firmer, firmest1) N-COUNT A firm is an organization which sells or produces something or which provides a service which people pay for.
The firm's employees were expecting large bonuses.
...a firm of heating engineers.
Syn:2) ADJ-GRADED If something is firm, it does not change much in shape when it is pressed but is not completely hard.Fruit should be firm and in excellent condition...
Choose a soft, medium or firm mattress to suit their individual needs.
Syn:Ant:soft, flabbyDerived words:firmness N-UNCOUNTVegetables should retain some firmness and should not be soggy and waterlogged.
3) ADJ-GRADED If something is firm, it does not shake or move when you put weight or pressure on it, because it is strongly made or securely fastened.If you have to climb up, use a firm platform or a sturdy ladder.
Syn:Derived words:firmly ADV-GRADED ADV -ed, ADV after vThe front door is locked and all the windows are firmly shut.
4) ADJ-GRADED If someone's grip is firm or if they perform a physical action in a firm way, they do it with quite a lot of force or pressure but also in a controlled way.The quick handshake was firm and cool...
He managed to grasp the metal, get a firm grip of it and heave his body upwards.
Syn:Derived words:firmness N-UNCOUNTTim stretched out a hand in apology and was comforted by the firmness with which Marc gripped it.
5) ADJ-GRADED: oft ADJ with n If you describe someone as firm, you mean they behave in a way that shows that they are not going to change their mind, or that they are the person who is in control.She had to be firm with him. `I don't want to see you again.'...
Perhaps they need the guiding hand of a firm father figure.
Derived words:firmness N-UNCOUNT...a manner that combines friendliness with compassion and firmness.
6) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A firm decision or opinion is definite and unlikely to change.He made a firm decision to leave Fort Multry by boat...
It is my firm belief that an effective partnership approach between police and the public is absolutely necessary.
Syn:Derived words:firmly ADV-GRADED ADV -ed, ADV after vPolitical values and opinions are firmly held, and can be slow to change...
He is firmly convinced that it is vital to do this.
firmness N-UNCOUNTWhat's impressed me has been his considerable firmness of purpose.
7) ADJ-GRADED: ADJ n Firm evidence or information is based on facts and so is likely to be true.This man may have killed others but unfortunately we have no firm evidence...
There's unlikely to be firm news about the convoy's progress for some time.
Syn:hard, definite8) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n You use firm to describe control or a basis or position when it is strong and unlikely to be ended or removed.Although the Yakutians are a minority, they have firm control of the territory...
The company, a household name in the States, has a firm foothold in the British market.
Syn:Derived words:firmly ADV-GRADED ADV -ed, ADV after vThis tradition is also firmly rooted in the past...
It placed reggae music firmly in the mainstream of world culture.
9) ADJ-GRADED: ADJ n If people are firm friends, they have been close friends for a long time and their friendship is likely to continue.The couple met about two years ago and soon became firm friends.
10) ADJ-GRADED If a price, value, or currency is firm, it is not decreasing in value or amount.Cotton prices remain firm and demand is strong...
The shares held firm at 280p...
Firm prices and stability will allow both producers and consumers to plan confidently.
Syn:solid, steadyDerived words:11) VERB If you firm soil around a plant, you press it so that it is fairly solid rather than loose.[V n prep/adv] Firm more soil over the roots and water thoroughly.
12) PHRASE: V inflects If someone stands firm, they refuse to change their mind about something.The council is standing firm against the barrage of protest...
The President has appealed to his European partners to stand firm on the issue.
Phrasal Verbs:- firm up
English dictionary. 2008.
