firmly

[furm-lee]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of firmly¹

firm ¹ ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Both parties are firmly against Czech households carrying a greater financial burden for cleaner energy, and both oppose the EU's ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars after 2035.

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The 78-year-old, who also acted as a union rep for the retained firefighters, says he does not regret anything but firmly believes they should all receive the money they are entitled to.

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Safdie adds firmly, “We did what we did and we learned the things that we learned, and now I’m going to try some things on my own.”

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Now she’s firmly back in the Valley, except, of course, when she’s on tour.

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Most supporters are firmly ensconced in the world of white evangelicalism, which is famously alienating to most everyone outside it.

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Related Words

• adamantly 
• decisively 
• doggedly 
• persistently www.thesaurus.com
• resolutely 
• staunchly 
• steadfastly 
• strictly 
• stubbornly www.thesaurus.com
• tenaciously