“Coffee, the favorite drink of the civilized world.” – Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States
FIRMLY
firm, firmly, steadfastly, unwaveringly
(adverb) with resolute determination; “we firmly believed it”; “you must stand firm”
hard, firmly
(adverb) with firmness; “held hard to the railing”
securely, firmly
(adverb) in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger; “she held the child securely”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adverb
firmly (comparative firmlier or more firmly, superlative firmliest or most firmly)
(manner) In a firm or definite or strong manner.
(manner) Securely.
Source: Wiktionary
Firm"ly, adv.
Definition: In a firm manner.
FIRM
Firm, a. [Compar. Firmer; superl. Firmest.] Etym: [OE. ferme, F. ferme, fr.L. firmus; cf. Skr. dharman support, law, order, dh to hold fast, carry. Cf. Farm, Throne.]
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, n. Etym: [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]
Definition: 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, v. t. Etym: [OE. fermen to make firm, F. fermer, fr. L. firmare to make firm. See Firm, a.]
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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
27 February 2025
SUMMIT
(verb) reach the summit (of a mountain); “They breasted the mountain”; “Many mountaineers go up Mt. Everest but not all summit”
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