firm: Meaning and Definition of

firm

Pronunciation: (fûrm), [key]
— adj., v., adv., -er, -est, -er, -est.
—adj.
  1. not soft or yielding when pressed; comparatively solid, hard, stiff, or rigid: firm ground; firm texture.
  2. securely fixed in place.
  3. not shaking or trembling; steady: a firm voice.
  4. not likely to change; fixed; settled; unalterable: a firm belief.
  5. steadfast or unwavering, as persons or principles: firm friends.
  6. indicating firmness or determination: a firm expression.
  7. not fluctuating much or falling, as prices, values, etc.: The stock market was firm today.
—v.t.
  1. to make firm; tighten or strengthen (sometimes fol. by up): to firm up one's hold on something.
  2. to steady or fix (sometimes fol. by up): to firm up prices.
—v.i.
  1. to become firm or fixed (sometimes fol. by up): Butter firms by churning.
  2. (of prices, markets, etc.) to recover; become stronger, as after a decline (sometimes fol. by up): Stock prices firmed again today.
—adv.
  1. firmly: He stood firm.

firm

Pronunciation: (fûrm), [key]
— n.
  1. a partnership or association for carrying on a business.
  2. the name or title under which associated parties transact business: the firm of Smith & Jones.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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