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.
Viewers who often get frustrated with the faithful and root for them to uncover a traitor had their wish firmly Richard E Grant-ed on Thursday, as the actor was banished in a landslide vote.
From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026
"Germany stands firmly by Israel's side. Our Israeli friends can count on our commitment to ensuring that such a crime never happens again," Merz said.
From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026
“Joby independently developed its air data system through years of its own engineering and manufacturing work, and we stand firmly behind the integrity of that work and our conduct.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026
Vinegar is firmly in the category of ingredients that are easier to add than subtract.
From Salon ● Oct. 5, 2026
He set his feet firmly on the floor, legs apart as if he expected a huge wave or something to wash over him.
From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott
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.
