firm Definition

firm¹
adj

1. Strong; compact; steady.

Thesaurus: stable, fixed, solid, rooted, immovable, secured, steady, rigid; Antonym: unsound, loose, mobile.
2. Solid; not soft or yielding.
3. Definite.

Example: a firm offer
4. Said of prices, markets, etc: steady or stable, with a slight upward trend.
5. Determined; resolute.

Thesaurus: determined, steadfast, constant, resolute, obdurate, staunch, definite, adamant, committed, reliable, dogged, unwavering.
6. Said of a mouth or chin: suggesting determination.

adverb

1. In a determined and unyielding manner; with resolution.

Example: hold firm to one's promise

verb

firmed, firming
1. To make something firm or secure.

Example: He firmed the soil around the plant

Derivative: firmness
noun

Etymology: 14c as ferme: from Latin firmus firm or solid.

Phrasal Verb: firm up

Said of prices, markets, etc: to become more stable, usually with a slight upward trend.
Example: Prices were firming up

Phrasal Verb: firm something up

To discuss (ideas, plans, etc) and make them clearer and more definite
Example: Can we firm up the plans for your visit?

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firm²
noun

1. Any organization or individual engaged in economic activity with the aim of producing goods or services for sale to others; a business or company.

Thesaurus: company, business, corporation, association, organization, enterprise, outfit, establishment, conglomerate, concern, syndicate, institution.
2. A business partnership.

Etymology: 18c in sense 2; 16c, meaning ‘one's signature': from Italian firma signature, from Latin firmare to confirm, to ratify by one's signature, from firmus firm or solid.