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Definition of firm adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

firm

adjective
 
 
/fɜːm/
 
/fɜːrm/
(comparative firmer, superlative firmest)
Idioms
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  1.  
    fairly hard; not easy to press into a different shape
    • a firm bed/mattress
    • These peaches are still firm.
    • It was good to feel the firm ground underfoot after hours of trudging through flooded fields.
    • Bake the cakes until they are firm to the touch.
    Extra Examples
    • Use extra stuffing to make the cushions firmer.
    • exercises to keep your muscles firm
    • He put a hand on her shoulder, which was firm and slender.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • feel
    • look
    • …
    adverb
    • extremely
    • fairly
    • very
    • …
    See full entry
  2.  
    not likely to change
    • a firm believer in socialism
    • a firm agreement/date/decision/offer/promise
    • firm beliefs/conclusions/convictions/principles
    • She is a firm favourite with the children.
    • We have no firm evidence to support the case.
    • They remained firm friends.
    Extra Examples
    • No firm agreement was reached.
    • No firm date has yet been set for the launch.
    • Jo held firm: nothing else would do.
    • We stand firm on these principles.
    • At the age of 87 he is still a firm believer in socialism.
    • Further research is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • sound
    • hold
    • …
    adverb
    • extremely
    • fairly
    • very
    • …
    preposition
    • with
    See full entry
  3.  
    strongly fixed in place synonym secure
    • Stand the fish tank on a firm base.
    • No building can stand without firm foundations, and neither can a marriage.
  4.  
    (of somebody’s voice or hand movements) strong and steady
    • ‘No,’ she repeated, her voice firmer this time.
    • With a firm grip on my hand, he pulled me away.
    • She took a firm hold of my arm.
    • Her handshake was cool and firm.
    • Close the hatches with a firm push on the lever.
  5.  
    (of somebody’s behaviour, position or understanding of something) strong and in control
    • to exercise firm control/discipline/leadership
    • Parents must be firm with their children.
    • The company now has a firm footing in the marketplace.
    • This book will give your students a firm grasp of English grammar.
    • We need to keep a firm grip on the situation.
    Extra Examples
    • Her employees regarded her as firm but fair.
    • Many of the teachers feel that firmer discipline is needed in the school.
    • People are looking towards him for firm leadership.
    • The authorities took firm action to end the violence.
  6. [usually before noun] firm (against something) (of a country’s money, etc.) not lower than another
    • The euro remained firm against the dollar, but fell against the yen.
    7. see also firmly
    Word Originadjective Middle English: from Old French ferme, from Latin firmus.
Idioms
be on firm/solid ground
  1. to be in a strong position in an argument, etc. because you know the facts
    • Everyone agreed with me, so I knew I was on firm ground.
    • He is probably on solid ground when he says we need more training.
    Topics Opinion and argumentc2
a firm hand
  1. strong control or discipline
    • Some children need a firm hand to make them behave.
take a firm line/stand (on/against something)
  1. to make your beliefs known and to try to make others follow them
    • We need to take a firm line on data privacy.
    • They took a firm stand against drugs in the school.
See firm in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee firm in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
Check pronunciation: firm

Nearby words

unclear
adjective
 
 
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