Words / B1

FURML-ee/ˈfɜːmli/

Firmly means in a strong, steady, or definite way: hold firmly; firmly believe; refuse firmly. Firm is the adjective (already in some dictionaries as a company too). Definitely is close for decisions. Do not use firmly for “approximately”. A firmly worded letter is a UK official tone.

Meaning

In a strong, steady, or definite way.

Examples

• “The head teacher firmly rejected a shorter school day.”
• “Hold the test tube firmly, which is the physical sense.”

Good to know

firmly believe / refuse / hold. Adjective: firm. Close (decisions): definitely. Not “approximately”. Tone: a firmly worded letter.

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