- having a solid, almost unyielding surface or structure坚硬的, 结实的：
the bed should be reasonably firm, but not too hard.
床得有一定硬度, 但又不能太硬。
- solidly in place and stable稳固的, 牢固的：
no building can stand without firm foundations
没有牢固的地基, 建筑都是无法屹立不动的
figurative 〈喻〉 he was unable to establish the shop on a firm financial footing.
他没有能力把店建立在雄厚的经济基础上。
- having steady but not excessive power or strength强有力的：
you need a firm grip on the steering.
你得紧握方向盘。
- (of a person, action, or attitude) showing resolute determination and strength of character（人、行为或态度）表现出坚强决心（或道德力量）的; 严格的：
he didn't like being firm with Lennie, but he had to.
他不想对伦妮要求非常严格, 但又不得不如此。
- strongly felt and unlikely to change坚信的; 坚定的：
he retains a firm belief in the efficacy of prayer.
他仍对祷告的作用坚信不疑。
- (of a person) steadfast and constant（人）始终如一的; 坚贞的：
we became firm friends.
我们成了坚贞不渝的朋友。
- decided upon and fixed or definite既定的; 确定的; 明确的：
she had no firm plans for the next day.
她对第二天没有明确的计划。
- (of a currency, a commodity, or shares) having a steady value or price which is more likely to rise than fall（货币、商品或股票）价值（或价格）坚挺的：
the pound was firm against the dollar.
英镑对美元的比价坚挺。
- make (something) physically solid or resilient使坚实; 使有弹性：
how can I firm up a sagging bustline?
我怎样才能让下垂的胸部坚挺起来呢？
- fix(a plant)securely in the soil把（植物）固定在土壤中。
- no obj.(of a price) rise slightly to reach a level considered secure（价格）小幅回升（至安全价位）：
he believed house prices would firm by the end of the year
他认为房价年末会小幅回升
with complement the shares firmed 15p to 620p.股价上涨了15便士, 达到620便士。
- make (an agreement or plan) explicit and definite使（协议, 计划）清楚明了; 使确定; 使明确：
the agreements still have to be firmed up.
协议仍有待确定。
- in a resolute and determined manner坚定地; 坚决地：
the Chancellor has held firm to tough economic policies
总理坚定不移地奉行强硬的经济政策
she will stand firm against the government's proposal.
她会坚决抵制政府的提议。
be on firm ground
- be sure of one's facts or secure in one's position, especially in a discussion（尤指在讨论中）理直气壮。
a firm hand
- strict discipline or control严格的管教（或控制）。
firmly
adverbfirmness
noun- a business concern, especially one involving a partnership of two or more people公司; 商行; 事务所：
a firm of estate agents.
房地产经纪公司。
- a group of hospital doctors working as a team, headed by a consultant（以顾问医师为首的）医务小组。
- Brit. informal an organized group of football supporters known for their aggressive attitudes towards rival fans〈英, 非正式〉（敌视敌对球队球迷的）球迷俱乐部, 球迷联盟。