firm
gb/fˈɚm/ us/fˈɚm/
A2
English
~ 2200
cég, iroda, vállalat, kemény, biztos, szilárd, határozott, hajthatatlan, következetes, megszilárdít, feszesít, stabilizál
NOUN
A2
1
Usage pattern:
a [size/type] firm
She works for a law firm in the city.
Egy belvárosi ügyvédi irodában dolgozik.
The firm expanded its operations to Asia last year.
A cég tavaly Ázsiára is kiterjesztette a tevékenységét.
Our firm specializes in environmental consulting.
He joined the firm right after college.
The small firm struggled during the recession.
Learner examples
My sister works in a big firm.
A nővérem egy nagy cégnél dolgozik.
The firm makes clothes for children.
A cég gyerekruhákat gyárt.
He started his own firm last year.
The firm has ten workers.
This firm sells computers.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'firm' with 'farm' due to similar pronunciation.
Meaning
Business organization or company
Collocations
law firm
|accounting firm
|small firm
|international firm
|run a firm
Synonyms
company (Most common general term for a business; can be larger or smaller than a 'firm'.)
|
enterprise (Slightly more formal; often used for larger or more ambitious businesses.)
Antonyms
individual (Refers to a single person, not an organized business entity.)
Themes
business
|economics
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A company that sells things or provides services.
A business, often a company or partnership, that sells goods or services.
A2
2
Usage pattern:
[something] is firm
The mattress is firm but comfortable.
A matrac kemény, de kényelmes.
He gave her a firm handshake.
Határozott kézfogással üdvözölte.
Stand on firm ground before you jump.
The cake should be firm to the touch when baked.
Learner examples
The bed is very firm.
Az ágy nagyon kemény.
He has a firm hand.
Biztos keze van.
The table feels firm.
I need a firm chair.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'firm' with 'hard'; 'hard' can also mean 'difficult', which 'firm' does not in this sense.
Meaning
Solid and stable in form
Collocations
firm grip
|firm ground
|firm mattress
|firm handshake
Synonyms
solid (Similar in meaning, but 'solid' emphasizes density and uniformity more strongly.)
|
sturdy (Often used for objects that are strong and durable.)
Antonyms
soft (Easily bent, pressed, or yielding to touch.)
Themes
physical
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Hard and steady; not soft or weak.
Physically solid, steady, and not easily bent, pressed, or moved.
B1
3
Usage pattern:
be firm with [someone]
She was firm in her refusal to sign the contract.
Határozottan kitartott amellett, hogy nem írja alá a szerződést.
You need to be firm with the puppy so it learns the rules.
Következetesnek kell lenned a kölyökkutyával, hogy megtanulja a szabályokat.
He took a firm stance against corruption.
My parents were always firm but fair.
Learner examples
My teacher is very firm.
A tanárom nagyon határozott.
Be firm with the dog.
Légy határozott a kutyával.
She is firm about her choice.
He gave a firm answer.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this sense with physical firmness; here it refers to attitude, not touch.
Meaning
Strong and determined in attitude
Collocations
firm decision
|firm stance
|be firm with children
Synonyms
resolute (More formal; emphasizes determination and moral courage.)
|
determined (General term for having strong will to do something.)
Antonyms
indecisive (Unable to make or stick to decisions.)
Themes
emotions
|behavior
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not changing your mind; showing strong will.
Strongly fixed in purpose or opinion and not likely to change it.
VERB
B2
FORMAL
4
Usage pattern:
firm [something] up
They used gravel to firm up the path.
Kaviccsal szilárdították meg az ösvényt.
The company is trying to firm up its financial position.
A vállalat igyekszik megszilárdítani a pénzügyi helyzetét.
Do exercises to firm your stomach muscles.
Learner examples
We need to firm the ground before building.
Építkezés előtt meg kell szilárdítanunk a talajt.
I want to firm my arms.
Szeretném feszesíteni a karomat.
They will firm the plan soon.
Meaning
Make more solid or steady
Collocations
firm up plans
|firm up muscles
Synonyms
strengthen (General term for making stronger; not always physical stability.)
Antonyms
weaken (To make less strong or stable.)
Themes
construction
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make something harder or more steady.
To make something more solid, steady, or secure.
Grammar
Dictionary form
firm
IPA
GB/fˈɚm/
US/fˈɚm/
Syllables & stress
firm (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (firm)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: firm
- Comparative: firmer
- Superlative: firmest
Noun
- Base: firm
- Plural: firms
Verb
- Base: firm
- 3rd Person Singular: firms
- Present Participle: firming
- Past: firmed
Word family
Expressions
a firm hand
1/ə fˈɚm hˈænd/
fixed phrase
Strict control or discipline
Control people or situations in a strict way.
Examples
- The coach runs the team with a firm hand.
- Raising children requires a firm hand sometimes.
firm up
1/fˈɚm ˈʌp/
phrasal verb
Make something more definite or solid
To make something more certain or solid.
Examples
- We need to firm up the travel plans before booking flights.
- She did exercises to firm up her legs.
stand firm
1/stˈænd fˈɚm/
fixed phrase
Refuse to change position or decision
To not change your opinion or decision even when people try to make you.
Examples
- She stood firm on her decision to quit smoking.
- Despite criticism, the mayor stood firm against the proposal.