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

At the moment, Nigel Farage - now firmly in place as Reform's leader - appears potentially on course to become the UK's next prime minister.

From BBC

The council’s action, on a 14-1 vote, doesn’t authorize the massive renovation, but it shows that the council is firmly behind the effort to overhaul the downtown structure.

From Los Angeles Times

Fan boycotts and protests may continue to apply personal and financial pressure, but with the EFL and regulator unable to act as things stand, the power to determine the club's future remains firmly with Chansiri.

From BBC

Clooney may have spent much of the last decade directing films while only occasionally appearing in them, but in Jay Kelly, he is firmly back in movie star mode.

From BBC

Despite those reforms, however, the Fed remained tied to political imperatives, chiefly the financing of America’s fiscal needs during World War II, policies firmly under the control of the Treasury.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adamantly 
• decisively 
• doggedly 
• persistently www.thesaurus.com
• resolutely 
• staunchly 
• steadfastly 
• strictly 
• stubbornly www.thesaurus.com
• tenaciously