firmly

/ˈfɜːmli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɜːrmli/ (ame, ipa)

firmly — adverb

1. positioned or fastened with complete security, so that nothing can move or becom

1.副詞B1
釋義

positioned or fastened with complete security, so that nothing can move or become loose.

例句

The tent pegs were driven firmly into the ground before the storm arrived.

verb + firmly + preposition phrase (into)

Folake checked that the lid was screwed firmly onto the jar.

同義詞
  • securely

    emphasises safety from coming undone, often used for fastenings

  • tightly

    focuses on the degree of closeness or fit; more common for closures than for positioning

反義詞
  • loosely

    without tightness or secure attachment

文法句型

verb + firmly (post-verbal)

firmly + verb (pre-verbal)

用法筆記

Often used with verbs of fastening or positioning, such as 'screw', 'bolt', 'plant', 'drive', or 'push'.

常見錯誤

❌She tied the rope firmly around the pole.' (OK with 'firmly around')
✅She tied the rope firmly around the pole.
💡This is correct usage with a fastening verb. More naturally: 'She wound the rope firmly around the pole.' — 'firmly' works best with the sense of security, not simply 'winding'.

2. with steady physical pressure applied through a hand, foot, or object against a

2.副詞B1
釋義

with steady physical pressure applied through a hand, foot, or object against a surface or another object.

例句

Mizuki pressed her hand firmly against the wound to stop the bleeding.

pressed + firmly + against

The climber gripped the rope firmly with both hands as he climbed.

同義詞
  • tightly

    emphasises the closeness or tension of grip; more natural with 'grip' and 'hold'

  • hard

    suggests greater force; less common with 'hold' and more common with 'press'

反義詞

文法句型

verb + firmly (with pressure verbs)

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (NOT LOOSE): this sense focuses on the act of pressing or squeezing with force, whereas sense 1 focuses on the result of being securely fixed. 'She pressed firmly on the lid' (sense 2 — pressing action) vs. 'the lid was screwed firmly shut' (sense 1 — secure state).

常見錯誤

❌I firmly pressed the button.' (word order acceptable but less natural)
✅I pressed the button firmly.
💡As an adverb of manner, 'firmly' more naturally follows the verb in this sense.

3. in a direct and determined manner that expresses clear intent, especially when s

3.副詞B2
釋義

in a direct and determined manner that expresses clear intent, especially when speaking, refusing, or giving orders.

例句

The conductor spoke firmly to the orchestra about starting on time.

spoke + firmly (speech verb)

Felix told his roommate firmly that he would not lend him any more money.

told + firmly + that-clause

同義詞
  • forcefully

    emphasises strength and power; more aggressive tone

  • resolutely

    suggests unwavering determination; slightly more formal

  • sternly

    implies seriousness and strictness, often in scolding

反義詞

文法句型

verb + firmly

firmly + verb (especially with speech or refusal verbs)

用法筆記

Typically used with speech-act verbs ('say', 'tell', 'refuse', 'reject', 'insist'). Unlike sense 4 (CERTAINLY), this sense describes a forceful outward action or utterance rather than an internal belief.

常見錯誤

❌I firmly love you.' (sounds unnatural — 'firmly' does not combine well with emotions)
✅I strongly believe that this is the right choice.
💡Use 'strongly' for emotions and feelings; use 'firmly' for decisions, refusals, and commands.

4. in a definite and unwavering way that shows strong conviction, especially regard

4.副詞B2
釋義

in a definite and unwavering way that shows strong conviction, especially regarding beliefs, opinions, or commitments.

例句

Heloísa firmly believes that regular exercise improves mental health.

firmly + believes (belief verb)

The mayor firmly supports the new housing policy and its reforms.

同義詞
  • strongly

    the closest synonym; slightly broader in use, also works for feelings and emotions

  • resolutely

    suggests determination in the face of difficulty; more formal

  • staunchly

    implies unwavering loyalty, especially for political or moral positions

反義詞

文法句型

firmly + verb (with belief/opinion verbs)

用法筆記

Frequently used with belief or opinion verbs: 'believe', 'support', 'commit', 'stand by', 'hold'. This sense describes inner conviction, not forceful outward action (see sense 3). Not used with emotional verbs like 'love' or 'hate'.

常見錯誤

❌I firmly know the answer.' (redundant — 'know' already implies certainty)
✅I firmly believe the answer is correct.
💡Use 'firmly' with 'believe', 'support', or 'hold', not with verbs that already express certainty.