firmly

American  

[furm-lee] / ˈfɜrm li /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of firmly

firm ¹ ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Unless the stock can get firmly above the upper boundary of the resistance zone, which comes in around $298, the key downside level to watch is the March 12 intraday low of around $279.

From MarketWatch

These details are mostly new, but the broad contours of the plot stick firmly to the narrative of the movie, based on an actual incident that took place in 1972.

From The Wall Street Journal

Stocks will have a difficult time sustaining a second-quarter comeback until that target, pegged at around 6624 points, is firmly retaken.

From Barron's

“Come sit at the table,” Mom said firmly.

From Literature

He wrapped his arms around the trunk of a firmly rooted tree, the wind rushing so fiercely it threatened to pull the whiskers from his face.

From Literature

Related Words

• adamantly
• decisively
• doggedly
• persistently
• resolutely
• staunchly
• steadfastly
• strictly
• stubbornly
• tenaciously