firm
furm
Firm (noun) means a business, especially one run as a partnership, such as a law or accounting practice. Example: “My brother works for a small architecture firm in the city.”
noun
1
A business, especially one run as a partnership, such as a law or accounting practice.
"My brother works for a small architecture firm in the city."
"She made partner at the law firm after eight years."
"The consulting firm hired twenty new graduates this year."
adj
1
Solid and steady; not easily moved, shaken, or changed.
"The ladder stood on firm ground, so I felt safe climbing it."
"He kept a firm grip on the railing as the boat rocked."
"She remained firm in her decision despite the pressure."
2
Hard or resistant to pressure, describing texture.
"The avocado should feel slightly firm when you press it gently."
"A firm mattress is better for my back than a soft one."
"Choose tomatoes that are firm, not soft or bruised."
verb
1
To make something solid, stable, or resistant to pressure.
"Press the soil down gently to firm it around the new plant."
"Regular walking helped firm up her legs over the summer."
"The cold firmed up the jelly overnight."
How to use firm
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs a noun, a company (often professional services); as an adjective, solid, steady, and not easily swayed.
Common mistake
As a business term, "firm" usually implies a partnership of professionals (law, accounting, consulting) rather than a manufacturer or retailer, though it is sometimes used loosely for any company.
Common pairings
law firm
firm grip
firm decision
firm mattress
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Word forms
- Plural
- firms
- Third person singular
- firms
- Past tense
- firmed
- Comparative
- firmer, more firm
- Superlative
- firmest, most firm
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
My brother works for a small architecture _____ in the city.
Etymology
From Italian firma ("signature"), from Latin firmus ("stable, strong"); the business sense developed in the 1700s from the idea of a name a company trades and signs under.
Class of 1700
firm joined the language around 1700.
See the full Class of 1700 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “firm” mean?
The word “firm” means a business, especially one run as a partnership, such as a law or accounting practice. In plain terms, as a noun, a company (often professional services); as an adjective, solid, steady, and not easily swayed.
How do you pronounce “firm”?
“Firm” is pronounced furm (/fɜɹm/ in IPA).
How do you use “firm” in a sentence?
Here is “firm” used in a sentence: “She made partner at the law firm after eight years.”
What is another word for “firm”?
Words with a similar meaning to “firm” include decided.
What part of speech is “firm”?
Depending on how it is used, “firm” can be a noun, an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “firm” come from?
The word “firm” dates back to around 1700 and comes from Latin. From Italian firma ("signature"), from Latin firmus ("stable, strong"); the business sense developed in the 1700s from the idea of a name a company trades and signs under.
Is “firm” a common word?
“Firm” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “firm” have?
“Firm” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a business, especially one run as a partnership, such as a law or accounting practice.
What is the difference between a firm and a company?
The words overlap, but a 'firm' traditionally means a business built on a partnership, especially in professional services like law, accountancy, or consultancy. A 'company' is any commercial organisation, usually incorporated with shareholders. All firms are businesses, but people rarely call a factory or a shop a 'firm'.
What are examples of firms?
Typical firms are professional practices: a law firm, an accounting firm, a consulting firm, or an architecture firm. These are usually partnerships where several qualified professionals share ownership and profits. The word suits service-based businesses more than manufacturers or retailers, which are more often called companies.
Is a firm the same as a business?
A firm is a type of business, but not every business is called a firm. 'Business' is the widest term, covering everything from a market stall to a multinational. 'Firm' usually implies a professional partnership offering services. So a firm is always a business, but the reverse is not always true.
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