Firmly Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈfərmli/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adverb

Definition

A fixed or stable position; a state of being unyielding or unshakable.

Examples

• The foundation was laid firmly in the ground.
• The new policy was implemented firmly and immediately.

Synonyms

• Steadfastly
• Unwaveringly
• Unshakeably

Antonyms

• Loosely
• Uncertainly
• Fluidly

Additional Information

Firmly is often used to describe a sense of stability, solidity, or unwavering commitment. It can be used to describe a physical object that is stable and unshakeable, or a person who is resolute and unyielding in their views or actions. Firmly can also be used as an intensifier to emphasize the extent to which something is done or accomplished.

The word firmly has its roots in Old English, where it was used to describe a sense of fixity or stability. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to firmness, steadiness, and unwavering commitment.

Etymology

Firmly comes from Old English firme, meaning “firm” or “solid”, which is derived from Proto-Germanic *firmiz, also meaning “firm” or “solid”. This Proto-Germanic word is also the source of the Modern English word “firm”, which shares similar meanings.

Usage Notes

Firmly is often used as an adverb to modify verbs, indicating the manner in which something is done. For example: “She sang the song firmly and with conviction”. Firmly can also be used as an intensifier to emphasize the extent to which something is done or accomplished. For example: “The team worked firmly to meet the deadline”.

When using firmly, consider the context and the intended meaning. For example, in a sentence like “The tree was firmly rooted in the ground”, clearly describes the tree’s stability. In contrast, “The new policy was implemented firmly and immediately” suggests a sense of determination and decisiveness.

Cultural References

Firmly has been featured in various cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, the phrase “Firmly I believe” was used in the song “Imagine” by John Lennon.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• A firm handshake
• Firm foundation

Related Words or Phrases

• Firm
• Rigid
• Steadfast

Collocations

• Firmly established
• Firmly planted
• Firmly committed

Frequency of Use

Firmly is a relatively common word in modern English, ranking among the top 1,000 most frequently used words in the Corpus of Contemporary American English.

Common Misspellings

• Firmlay
• Firmlie
• Firnmly