firmly

[ furm-lee ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of firmly¹

firm ¹( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

“I firmly believe that it is the best and probably only path to pass a five-year farm bill this year.”

From Salon

With his index finger firmly pressed against his chiseled jawline, he’s trying to determine exactly how many times he’s shirtless in “The Merry Gentlemen.”

From Los Angeles Times

"This week has been emotional for so many of us, but I firmly believe that everyone has the right to their opinion, even when it differs from my own."

From Salon

With her hands thrust firmly in her pockets, Auty describes how it was “not uncommon at all” to see prison staff in Bronzefield dealing.

From BBC

A spokesman for Bahrain's government said it "firmly rejects these baseless claims which overlook the substantial progress the Kingdom has achieved in advancing individual rights and the rule of law".

From BBC

Related Words

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