firmly

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

firmly — 副詞

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

1.副詞B1
釋義

牢固地

固定而不鬆動地

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.

暴風雨來臨前，帳篷的營釘被牢牢打入地面。

verb + firmly + preposition phrase (into)

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

Folake 檢查了瓶蓋是否已牢牢旋緊在罐子上。

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

緊緊地

用力按壓或握緊地

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.

Mizuki 用手緊緊壓住傷口以止血。

pressed + firmly + against

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

攀岩者雙手緊緊抓住繩子向上爬。

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

堅決地

態度強硬果斷地

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.

指揮堅決地對樂團成員說，必須準時開始演奏。

spoke + firmly (speech verb)

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

Felix 堅決地告訴室友，他不會再借錢給他了。

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

堅定地

確信而不改變地

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.

Heloísa 堅信規律運動能改善心理健康。

firmly + believes (belief verb)

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

市長堅定支持新的住房政策及其改革方案。

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.