firmly
Americanadverb
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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.
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in a calm, assertive, or authoritative voice or manner.
As a teacher I learned how to speak firmly and loudly without being harsh.
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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.
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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
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."
Vocabulary lists containing firmly
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.
"You wouldn't put holes in your flask if you wanted to keep the ice in. You'd close the cap and make sure it is firmly twisted on. It's the same in this house."
From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026
“No,” Raman then said firmly before shrugging and letting the moderator move on to the next question.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026
When SpaceX went public, it did so at a more than $1.7 trillion valuation, putting it firmly in the upper echelon of companies by market capitalization.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026
And I’m concerned we’re firmly into the added-leverage phase of the latest cycle.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026
But he stayed awake because the girl, his sister, Anastasia, was holding him now, and she didn't hold him as firmly as his father did.
From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
