firm1

adjective

• 1having a solid, almost unyielding surface or structure:the bed should be reasonably firm, but not too hard
• solidly in place and stable:no building can stand without firm foundations figurativehe was unable to establish the shop on a firm financial footing
• having steady but not excessive power or strength:you need a firm grip on the steering
• showing resolute determination and strength of character:parents should be firm with children and not give in to their demands

• 2strongly felt and unlikely to change:he retains a firm belief in the efficacy of prayer
• steadfast and constant:we became firm friends
• decided upon and fixed or definite:she had no firm plans for the next day
• (of a currency, shares, etc.) having a steady value or price which is more likely to rise than fall:the pound was firm against the dollar

verb

• make more solid or resilient:how can I firm up a sagging bustline?
• fix (a plant) securely in the soil: don’t tread around bushes to firm them
• make (an agreement or plan) explicit and definite:the agreements still have to be firmed up
• [no object] (of a price) rise slightly to reach a level considered secure:he believed house prices would firm by the end of the year [with complement]:the shares firmed 15p to 620p

adverb

• in a resolute and determined manner:the Chancellor has held firm to tough economic policies she will stand firm against the government’s proposal