firm Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments
    house; business firm.
    • he worked for a brokerage house
  2. verb become taut or tauter
    tauten.
    • Your muscles will firm when you exercise regularly
    • the rope tautened
  3. verb make taut or tauter
    tauten.
    • tauten a rope
  4. adjective satellite marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
    unbendable; steadfast; stiff; steady; unfaltering; unshakable; unwavering.
    • firm convictions
    • a firm mouth
    • steadfast resolve
    • a man of unbendable perseverence
    • unwavering loyalty
  5. adjective satellite not soft or yielding to pressure
    solid.
    • a firm mattress
    • the snow was firm underfoot
    • solid ground
  6. adjective satellite strong and sure
    strong.
    • a firm grasp
    • gave a strong pull on the rope
  7. adjective satellite not subject to revision or change
    • a firm contract
    • a firm offer
  8. adjective satellite (of especially a person's physical features) not shaking or trembling
    • his voice was firm and confident
    • a firm step
  9. adjective satellite not liable to fluctuate or especially to fall
    steady; unfluctuating.
    • stocks are still firm
  10. adjective satellite securely established
    • holds a firm position as the country's leading poet
  11. adjective satellite possessing the tone and resiliency of healthy tissue
    • firm muscles
  12. adjective satellite securely fixed in place
    immobile; fast.
    • the post was still firm after being hit by the car
  13. adjective satellite unwavering in devotion to friend or vow or cause
    loyal; truehearted; fast.
    • a firm ally
    • loyal supporters
    • the true-hearted soldier...of Tippecanoe"- Campaign song for William Henry Harrison
    • fast friends
  14. adverb with resolute determination
    steadfastly; unwaveringly; firmly.
    • we firmly believed it
    • you must stand firm

WordNet

Firm adjective
Etymology
OE. ferme, F. ferme, fr.L. firmus; cf. Skr. dharman support, law, order, dh to hold fast, carry. Cf. Farm, Throne.
Wordforms
comparative Firmer ; superlative Firmest
Definitions
  1. Fixed; hence, closely compressed; compact; substantial; hard; solid; -- applied to the matter of bodies; as, firm flesh; firm muscles, firm wood.
  2. Not easily excited or disturbed; unchanging in purpose; fixed; steady; constant; stable; unshaken; not easily changed in feelings or will; strong; as, a firm believer; a firm friend; a firm adherent.
    Under spread ensigns, moving nigh, in slow But firm battalion. Milton.
    By one man's firm obediency fully tried. Milton.
  3. Solid; -- opposed to fluid; as, firm land.
  4. Indicating firmness; as, a firm tread; a firm countenance. Syn. -- Compact; dense; hard; solid; stanch; robust; strong; sturdly; fixed; steady; resolute; constant.
Firm noun
Etymology
It. firma the (firm, sure, or confirming) signature or subscription, or Pg. firma signature, firm, cf. Sp. firma signature; all fr. L. firmus, adj., firm. See Firm, a
Definitions
  1. The name, title, or style, under which a company transacts business; a partnership of two or more persons; a commercial house; as, the firm of Hope & Co.
Firm transitive verb
Etymology
OE. fermen to make firm, F. fermer, fr. L. firmare to make firm. See Firm, a.
Definitions
  1. To fix; to settle; to confirm; to establish. Obs.
    And Jove has firmed it with an awful nod. Dryden.
  2. To fix or direct with firmness. Obs.
    He on his card and compass firms his eye. Spenser.

Webster 1913