firm: meaning, pronunciation and examples

Meaning

1
Having a solid, compact texture that resists pressure without being completely hard.
- Choose peaches that are firm to the touch but yield slightly to pressure.
- The mattress was surprisingly firm after years of daily use.
2
Fixed securely in place and unlikely to move or give way.
- Make sure the ladder has a firm base before climbing.
- He kept a firm grip on the child's hand while crossing the street.
3
Strongly felt, decided, or unlikely to change.
- The manager took a firm stance against late arrivals.
- Are there any firm plans for dinner tonight?

To make or become solid, secure, or definite.
- Press the soil down to firm it around the roots of the plant.
- Prices firmed up after the morning trading session closed.

This means “press soil down to make it solid”

“firmed it around the seedling.”

The gardener firmed the soil around the seedling.

In a resolute, steady, or unyielding manner.
- The negotiator stood firm despite mounting pressure from the board.
- Hold firm to your principles even when challenged.

A company, especially one that provides a professional service such as law or accounting.
- She joined an architectural firm right after graduating from college.
- Several accounting firms submitted proposals for the annual audit.