I. ˈfərm adjective
Etymology: Middle English ferm, from Anglo-French, from Latin firmus; akin to Greek thronos chair, throne
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : securely or solidly fixed in place
b. : not weak or uncertain : vigorous
c. : having a solid or compact structure that resists stress or pressure
2.
a.
(1) : not subject to change or revision
(2) : not subject to price weakness : steady
b. : not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast
c. : well-founded
3. : indicating firmness or resolution
a firm mouth
• firm·ly adverb
• firm·ness noun
II. adverb
Date: 14th century
: in a firm manner : steadfastly , fixedly
III. verb
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to make secure or fast : tighten
firm ing her grip on the racquet
— often used with up
b. : to make solid or compact
firm the soil
2. : to put into final form : settle
firm a contract
firm up plans
3. : to give additional support to : strengthen — usually used with up
intransitive verb
1. : to become firm : harden — often used with up
2. : to recover from a decline : improve
the market is firm ing
IV. noun
Etymology: German Firma, from Italian, signature, ultimately from Latin firmare to make firm, confirm, from firmus
Date: 1744
1. : the name or title under which a company transacts business
2. : a partnership of two or more persons that is not recognized as a legal person distinct from the members composing it
3. : a business unit or enterprise