Synonyms

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"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

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.

Salted enough to tip it firmly into savory, so it reads as part of the dish, not an afterthought.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

The couple said they firmly believed their son would not have voluntarily disappeared.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

"Our testing and trialling programmes for the production and introduction of competition and social-use synthetic shuttlecocks in collaboration with the manufacturers remains in place and is firmly part of our sustainability strategies for the future."

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

"This government stands firmly with the Jewish community, and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism," Starmer added on X.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

He said it firmly, deflecting the same way I put him off when he made such a query.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

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