firmly

American  

[furm-lee] / ˈfɜrm li /

adverb

1. in a manner or position that is secure and solid.

   Make sure the grab bar is installed properly and remains firmly attached to the wall.

   The well-being of humankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.

2. in a calm, assertive, or authoritative voice or manner.

   As a teacher I learned how to speak firmly and loudly without being harsh.

3. in a resolute or unwavering manner.

   When people firmly believe something essential to their worldview, they construct supporting beliefs in order to avoid having that worldview collapse.

4. in a fixed way; steadily.

   To keep your eyes firmly focused on the road, make sure you have a pair of good sunglasses handy in case the sun becomes dazzling.

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Etymology

Origin of firmly

firm ¹ ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

A number of those officials said additional easing might not be warranted until there is clear indication that disinflation is firmly back on track.

From Barron's

“I intend to defend this mandate firmly in the negotiations.”

From Barron's

As he prepares to step back, Morton said he has "firmly enjoyed every minute of it" and "would feel lost" if he went from working full-time to suddenly doing nothing.

From BBC

Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994 and has swung firmly behind Moscow since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, laid a bouquet on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

From Barron's

Nonetheless, the broader market tone remains positive heading into the Wednesday session, with Brent crude prices retreating firmly below the $100 mark, and last pegged at $95 a barrel, and stock futures powering higher.

From Barron's

Related Words

• adamantly
• decisively
• doggedly
• persistently
• resolutely
• staunchly
• steadfastly
• strictly
• stubbornly
• tenaciously