Firm Feel Stand Strong Make Good Ground Children

• a firm bed/mattress
• these peaches are still firm.
• it was good to feel the firm ground underfoot after hours of trudging through flooded fields.
• bake the cakes until they are firm to the touch.

firm

1. fairly hard; not easy to press into a different shape
• a firm bed/mattress
• These peaches are still firm.
• It was good to feel the firm ground underfoot after hours of trudging through flooded fields.
• Bake the cakes until they are firm to the touch.
2. not likely to change
• a firm believer in socialism
• a firm agreement/date/decision/offer/promise
• firm beliefs/conclusions/convictions/principles
• She is a firm favourite with the children.
• We have no firm evidence to support the case.
• They remained firm friends.
3. strongly fixed in place
• synonym secure
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/secure_1
• Stand the fish tank on a firm base.
• No building can stand without firm foundations, and neither can a marriage.
4. strong and steady
• ‘No,’ she repeated, her voice firmer this time.
• With a firm grip on my hand, he pulled me away.
• She took a firm hold of my arm.
• Her handshake was cool and firm.
5. strong and in control
• to exercise firm control/discipline/leadership
• Parents must be firm with their children.
• The company now has a firm footing in the marketplace.
• This book will give your students a firm grasp of English grammar.
• We need to keep a firm grip on the situation.
6. not lower than another
• The euro remained firm against the dollar, but fell against the yen.
7. to be in a strong position in an argument, etc. because you know the facts
• Everyone agreed with me, so I knew I was on firm ground.
8. strong control or discipline
• Those children need a firm hand to make them behave.
9. to make your beliefs known and to try to make others follow them
• We need to take a firm line on tobacco advertising.
• They took a firm stand against drugs in the school.

Extra Examples

• I have always been quite firm with my children.
• Jo held firm: nothing else would do.
• Use extra stuffing to make the cushions firmer.
• We stand firm on these principles.
• exercises to keep your muscles firm
• At the age of 87 he is still a firm believer in socialism.
• Close the hatches with a firm push on the lever.
• Further research is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
• He handshake was cool and firm.
• He put a hand on her shoulder, which was firm and slender.
• Her employees regarded her as firm but fair.
• It was good to feel the firm ground underfoot.
• Many of the teachers feel that firmer discipline is needed in the school.
• No firm agreement was reached.
• No firm date has yet been set for the launch.
• People are looking towards him for firm leadership.
• Planking was placed between the rails to provide a firm footing for the horses.
• The authorities took firm action to end the violence.
• They remained firm friends.
• four large tomatoes, ripe but firm

Word Origin

• adjective Middle English: from Old French ferme, from Latin firmus.