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

Lord Hain is firmly behind a full decant, arguing that previous reports have found it to be the cheaper option.

From BBC

But she firmly believes that “if you want to have a great dining experience, then you have to meet the people serving you halfway, or at least partway. It’s supposed to be a collaboration.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Rob Edwards’ side arrived at Old Trafford on a run of 11 successive Premier League defeats, the Midlands club firmly at the foot of the table with a mere two points from 18 matches.

From Barron's

Crucially, though, the research note firmly advises against just relying on the model.

From MarketWatch

This places it firmly within the era of reionisation, a period when the first stars and galaxies were beginning to emerge.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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