| 释义 |
firmfirm2 ●●● W3 adjective ETYMOLOGYfirm2Origin: 1300-1400 Old French Latin firmus ► firm believer a firm believer in equal rights ► held firm Both sides held firm about their demands (=did not change). ► took a firm stand Peters took a firm stand (=would not change his opinion) against the changes. ► firm offer a firm offer for the ranch ► held firm The dam held firm during the earthquake. ► took a firm grip of He took a firm grip of my arm and marched me toward the door. ► firm handshake a firm handshake ► firm basis The experiments showed that his ideas had a firm basis in fact. THESAURUSfirm► hard not soft, and difficult to press down, bend, break, or cut: Diamond is the hardest substance known to man. He chipped his tooth on a piece of hard candy. ► firm not completely hard, but not soft and not easy to press down: Brownies are done when the edges are firm but the middle is still soft. ► stiff difficult to bend or move: He made the sign with a piece of stiff cardboard. ► solid firm and usually hard, without spaces or holes: They blasted the tunnel through solid rock. ► rigid stiff and impossible to bend: Old airplanes had a rigid frame with cloth stretched tightly over it. ► crisp slightly hard and making a pleasant sound when broken. Used about food, dry leaves, and snow: She bit into the crisp apple. ► stale hard, dry, and no longer fresh. Used especially about food such as bread or cake: The bread was so stale it was hard to chew. demanding that rules be obeyed► strictdemanding that rules be obeyed: Mrs. Hart is a strict teacher, but she is good. ► firm dealing with someone or something in a determined way and showing that you are not going to change your mind: It’s important to be firm with young children. ► tough very strict and determined to be obeyed: The new governor has promised to be tough on criminals. ► stern strict in a serious, disapproving, and unfriendly way: The teacher had a stern expression on his face. ► harsh too strict, severe, or unkind: One of the teachers was very harsh with the children and often yelled at them. ► authoritarian very strict and punishing people if they do not obey. Used especially about governments: The population has lived under an authoritarian government for more than 40 years. 1HARD not completely hard, but not soft and not easy to bend: What you need is a firmer mattress. Cook macaroni until tender but still firm. a firm red tomato► see thesaurus at hard12IN CONTROL showing that you are in control of a situation and not likely to change your mind about something: Cal replied with a polite but firm “no.” firm leadershipbe firm with somebody You must be firm but fair with your children.► see thesaurus at strict3NO CHANGE not likely to change: a firm commitment to peace A firm decision will not be made until later today. a firm believer in equal rights Both sides held firm about their demands (=did not change). Peters took a firm stand (=would not change his opinion) against the changes. a firm offer for the ranch4NOT LIKELY TO MOVE strongly fastened or placed in position, and not likely to move or break SYN secure: Make sure the ladder is firm before you climb up. The dam held firm during the earthquake.5a firm grip/hold/grasp etc. a)if you have something in a firm grip, etc., you are holding it tightly and strongly: He took a firm grip of my arm and marched me toward the door. a firm handshake b)if you have a firm grasp, etc. of something, you understand it well: firm on/of a firm grasp on the problems that are likely to arise6BASED ON FACTS [only before noun] true and based on facts: There is firm evidence that the economy is improving. The experiments showed that his ideas had a firm basis in fact.7MONEY social studies, economics not falling in value: The dollar began Friday on a firm note.—firmly adverb: “No,” Brenda said firmly. His reputation was firmly established.—firmness noun [uncountable] |