firmly

American

[furm-lee] / ˈfɜrm li /

adverb

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

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

Etymology

Origin of firmly

firm ¹ ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

When you do something firmly, you do it with strength or in a secure way, like when you shut a door firmly behind you so your cat can't get out. You might grab a tennis racket firmly in your hands, gripping it hard, and then firmly smack the ball across the net. You can also act in a firm, or determined way: "I told her firmly that she couldn't borrow my clothes without asking next time." The Latin root of both firmly and firm is firmus, "strong, steadfast, trusty, or stable."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing firmly

"The Clever Old Woman" and "Argument"

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was over, and I was firmly told to take my place in the friend zone.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026

The stock has also experienced a technical breakdown over the past few months, sitting firmly below its 50-day moving average of $137.04, according to FactSet.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 25, 2026

The US and Iran signed the agreement last week and launched a process aimed at reaching a permanent settlement -- with the Islamic republic's leadership transformed but the system of rule firmly in place.

From Barron's • Jun. 24, 2026

While not "hiding away" from the events of the past fortnight, he reiterated that the attention of both players is now firmly on the cricket pitch.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

Clare took her by the shoulders, looking firmly into her eyes.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023