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

"We firmly believe that we are never alone, and we think of those in South Korea as our own parents and siblings and have decided to go into their embrace," they wrote.

From Barron's

The county is firmly in a reflation phase with growth, wages and prices all in an upcycle.

From The Wall Street Journal

They are due to play in front of 100,000 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, most of whom will be firmly behind Australia.

From BBC

Lara Clark, a Surrey based interior designer, agrees and says Cloud Dancer "doesn't really read as a colour" and is "firmly in the bin for me".

From BBC

"I think we owe them a few more answers before we can ask anybody to firmly commit."

From Barron's

Related Words

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