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

But the fundamentals that have driven it this far remain firmly in place.

Read more on Barron's

In it, Ms Wandelt said she "firmly" believed she was Madeleine due to DNA evidence and physical similarities, the jury was told.

Read more on BBC

"We remain firmly committed to ongoing dialogue as we take the necessary steps to enable us to deliver excellence and continue to be a bold, imaginative and world-leading university."

Read more on BBC

“Masquerade” is more firmly tethered to the source material than “Sleep No More” was to Shakespeare’s play.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There was a slight slump when he returned, which he firmly banished with a hat trick in late February.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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