firm
adjective uk/fɜːm/ us/fɝːm/
(HARD)
B2 结实的；坚固的
not soft but not completely hard
I'd rather sleep on a firm mattress than a soft one. 我宁愿睡硬床垫，也不要软的。
These pears are still too firm to eat. 这些梨还太硬，没法吃。
- More examples
- The ground was not firm enough to build on.
- The mixture should be firm to the touch after it has been baked.
- The going is described as good to firm.
- Place the template on a firm surface.
- The bed in the hotel was not firm enough.
(FIXED)
牢固的；稳固的
well fixed in place or position
The bridge provided a firm platform for the bungee jumpers. 这座桥为蹦极者提供了稳固的平台。
坚决的；坚定的
fixed at the same level or opinion and not changing
The government remains firm in its opposition to tax reform. 政府仍坚决反对税收改革。
- More examples
- On the foreign-exchange markets the pound remained firm.
- After weeks at sea, it was wonderful to feel firm ground beneath our feet once more.
- Make sure you've got a firm foothold on the rock before you climb up.
- Place the device on a firm, dry surface and make sure it is level.
- The house could collapse if it hasn't got firm foundations.
(STRONG)
C2 强有力的；紧紧的，牢牢的
strong and tight
a firm handshake 强有力的握手
Keep a firm hold of the handrail as you go down. 下去时要牢牢抓住扶手。
figurative No one seems to have a firm grip on the company at the moment. 目前似乎没有人能牢牢掌控公司。
figurative You need a firm grasp of mathematics to become an astronaut. 要成为宇航员，数学知识必须非常扎实。
- More examples
- She held the child's hand in a firm clasp as they crossed the road.
- Make sure that the soil around the base of the plant is firm, so that it is supported.
- When the glue has set, the bond will be firm and watertight.
- The nail holding this picture up isn't at all firm.
- Twist the pipe into position until the connection is completely firm.
(CERTAIN)
B2 确定的;坚定不移的
certain and not likely to change
He is a firm believer in traditional family values. 他坚信应遵循传统的家庭价值观念。
Some people still claim that there is no firm evidence linking smoking with lung cancer. 有人仍声称没有确凿的证据表明吸烟与肺癌有关。
- More examples
- She had a firm conviction that they would meet again in the hereafter.
- It is my firm belief that nuclear weapons are immoral.
- He made a firm commitment to stop smoking.
- Make sure you have a firm understanding of the system before attempting any repairs.
- A firm decision has not yet been made over the club's future.
(FORCEFUL)
C2 严格的，强硬的
forceful and making people do what you want
I was always very firm with my children - they knew the rules and I made sure they followed them. 我对孩子们总是很严格——他们知道规矩，我则监督他们守规矩。
Idioms
a firm handidiom 牢固控制；铁腕
strong control
Reforming these young offenders will require a firm hand. 对这些少年犯进行改造需要严格的管教手段。
hold/stand firmidiom 呆在原地；坚持不动；保持不变
to remain in the same place or at the same level
The protesters stood firm as the police tried to disperse them. 警察试图驱散示威者，但他们坚守阵地，一动不动。
The dollar held firm against the Euro today. 今天美元对欧元的汇价坚挺。
firm
noun [ C ] uk/fɜːm/ us/fɝːm/
B1 公司;商号
a company or business
He works for a law firm called Neil and Vigliano. 他在一家名为尼尔和维利亚诺的律师事务所供职。
He's just started working for an accountancy firm/a firm of accountants in Cambridge. 他刚刚开始在剑桥的一家会计师事务所工作。
- More examples
- Mr Black has been a client of this firm for many years.
- He works for a firm of painters and decorators.
- I had an interview for a job with a publishing firm.
- Our firm stands to lose a lot of money if the deal is unsuccessful.
- This new tax will put a lot of small firms out of business.
firm
verb uk/fɜːm/ us/fɝːm/
(MAKE HARD)
[ T ] UK使（土）变硬；使（土）坚实
to make soil harder by pressing on it
Firm the soil around the cuttings and water them in. 把插条四周的土压实，再浇上水。
(STOP CHANGING)
[ I ] finance & economics specialized稳定下来;保持不变
to stop changing or to remain at the same level, amount, etc.
After a turbulent week on the markets, share prices firmed today. 经过一周的市场动荡，股票价格今天稳定下来了。
Phrasal verbs
firm something up 落实;敲定
to make something more certain or less likely to change
Could we have a meeting so we can firm up the details of our agreement? 我们能不能开个会，把协议细节确定下来？
firm (something) up （通过锻炼）（使）（身体部位）结实，（使）紧实
to make a part of your body have less fat and more muscle by doing exercise
Cycling is one of the best ways to firm up your thighs. 想让大腿变得结实，骑自行车是最好的方式之一。
My stomach has begun to firm up since I started exercising. 自从做运动以来，我的腹部开始变结实了。