noun

firm

furm

noun

A business, especially one run as a partnership, such as a law or accounting practice.

"She made partner at the law firm after eight years."

"The consulting firm hired twenty new graduates this year."

adj

Solid and steady; not easily moved, shaken, or changed.

"He kept a firm grip on the railing as the boat rocked."

"She remained firm in her decision despite the pressure."

Hard or resistant to pressure, describing texture.

"Choose tomatoes that are firm, not soft or bruised."

verb

To make something solid, stable, or resistant to pressure.

"The cold firmed up the jelly overnight."

How to Use Firm

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word Forms

firmer comparative, more firm comparative, firmed past tense, firms plural, firms singular, firmest superlative, most firm superlative

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She made partner at the law _____ after eight years.

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.

Synonyms

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decided

Related Words

total decisive decided

Rhymes for firm

squirm affirm infirm confirm

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