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.
Eastern Libya and most of the country's south are firmly controlled by Haftar and his sons.
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
For nearly a century, the working-class population here, sandwiched between suburbs of Liverpool and Manchester, loyally voted for the Labour Party and flew firmly under the national radar.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026
China led international reaction to the charge, saying it "firmly supports" Cuba and urging the United States to deescalate tensions with the country.
From Barron's • May 21, 2026
The country's defence ministry meanwhile said it would "firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country's security".
From BBC • May 17, 2026
“I’m not a baby either,” said Chicken firmly.
From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn
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.
