transcription, транскрипция: [ fɜ:(r)m ]
( firms, firmer, firmest)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
A firm is an organization which sells or produces something or which provides a service which people pay for.
The firm’s employees were expecting large bonuses.
...a firm of heating engineers.
= company
N-COUNT
2.
If something is firm , it does not change much in shape when it is pressed but is not completely hard.
Fruit should be firm and in excellent condition...
Choose a soft, medium or firm mattress to suit their individual needs.
≠ soft
ADJ
3.
If something is firm , it does not shake or move when you put weight or pressure on it, because it is strongly made or securely fastened.
If you have to climb up, use a firm platform or a sturdy ladder.
= secure
ADJ
• firm‧ly
The front door is locked and all the windows are firmly shut.
ADV : ADV -ed , ADV after v
4.
If someone’s grip is firm or if they perform a physical action in a firm way, they do it with quite a lot of force or pressure but also in a controlled way.
The quick handshake was firm and cool...
He managed to grasp the metal, get a firm grip of it and heave his body upwards.
= strong
ADJ
• firm‧ly
She held me firmly by the elbow and led me to my aisle seat.
ADV : ADV after v
5.
If you describe someone as firm , you mean they behave in a way that shows that they are not going to change their mind, or that they are the person who is in control.
She had to be firm with him. ‘I don’t want to see you again.’...
Perhaps they need the guiding hand of a firm father figure.
ADJ : oft ADJ with n
• firm‧ly
‘A good night’s sleep is what you want,’ he said firmly.
ADV : ADV with v
6.
A firm decision or opinion is definite and unlikely to change.
He made a firm decision to leave Fort Multry by boat...
It is my firm belief that an effective partnership approach between police and the public is absolutely necessary.
= definite
ADJ : usu ADJ n
• firm‧ly
He is firmly convinced that it is vital to do this.
= strongly
ADV : ADV -ed , ADV after v
7.
Firm evidence or information is based on facts and so is likely to be true.
There’s unlikely to be firm news about the convoy’s progress for some time.
= hard, definite
ADJ : ADJ n
8.
You use firm to describe control or a basis or position when it is strong and unlikely to be ended or removed.
Although the Yakutians are a minority, they have firm control of the territory...
= secure
ADJ : usu ADJ n
• firm‧ly
This tradition is also firmly rooted in the past...
= securely
ADV : ADV -ed , ADV after v
9.
If a price, value, or currency is firm , it is not decreasing in value or amount.
Cotton prices remain firm and demand is strong...
The shares held firm at 280p...
= steady
ADJ
• firm‧ness
...the firmness of the dollar against other currencies.
N-UNCOUNT : usu N of n
10.
If someone stands firm , they refuse to change their mind about something.
The council is standing firm against the barrage of protest...
PHRASE : V inflects