firm
gb/fˈɚm/ us/fˈɚm/
A2
Anglais
~ 2200
Sens
0 sens
Nom
A2
entity
1
Business organization or company
A company that sells things or provides services.
Schéma d’usage :
a [size/type] firm
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'firm' with 'farm' due to similar pronunciation.
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
individual (Refers to a single person, not an organized business entity.)
Collocations
law firm
|accounting firm
|small firm
|international firm
|run a firm
Thèmes
business
|economics
|work
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- She works for a law firm in the city.
- The firm expanded its operations to Asia last year.
- Our firm specializes in environmental consulting.
- He joined the firm right after college.
- The small firm struggled during the recession.
Exemples pédagogiques
- My sister works in a big firm.
- The firm makes clothes for children.
- He started his own firm last year.
- The firm has ten workers.
- This firm sells computers.
adjective
A2
property
2
Solid and stable in form
Hard and steady; not soft or weak.
Schéma d’usage :
[something] is firm
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may confuse 'firm' with 'hard'; 'hard' can also mean 'difficult', which 'firm' does not in this sense.
Synonymes
solid (Similar in meaning, but 'solid' emphasizes density and uniformity more strongly.)
|
sturdy (Often used for objects that are strong and durable.)
Antonymes
soft (Easily bent, pressed, or yielding to touch.)
Collocations
firm grip
|firm ground
|firm mattress
|firm handshake
Thèmes
physical
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- The mattress is firm but comfortable.
- He gave her a firm handshake.
- Stand on firm ground before you jump.
- The cake should be firm to the touch when baked.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The bed is very firm.
- He has a firm hand.
- The table feels firm.
- I need a firm chair.
adjective
B1
property
3
Strong and determined in attitude
Not changing your mind; showing strong will.
Schéma d’usage :
be firm with [someone]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse this sense with physical firmness; here it refers to attitude, not touch.
Synonymes
resolute (More formal; emphasizes determination and moral courage.)
|
determined (General term for having strong will to do something.)
Antonymes
indecisive (Unable to make or stick to decisions.)
Collocations
firm decision
|firm stance
|be firm with children
Thèmes
emotions
|behavior
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- She was firm in her refusal to sign the contract.
- You need to be firm with the puppy so it learns the rules.
- He took a firm stance against corruption.
- My parents were always firm but fair.
Exemples pédagogiques
- My teacher is very firm.
- Be firm with the dog.
- She is firm about her choice.
- He gave a firm answer.
Verbe
formal
B2
action
4
Make more solid or steady
To make something harder or more steady.
Schéma d’usage :
firm [something] up
Synonymes
strengthen (General term for making stronger; not always physical stability.)
Antonymes
weaken (To make less strong or stable.)
Collocations
firm up plans
|firm up muscles
Thèmes
construction
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- They used gravel to firm up the path.
- The company is trying to firm up its financial position.
- Do exercises to firm your stomach muscles.
Exemples pédagogiques
- We need to firm the ground before building.
- I want to firm my arms.
- They will firm the plan soon.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
firm
API
GB/fˈɚm/
US/fˈɚm/
Syllabes et accentuation
firm (1 syllabe)
Stress on 1st syllable (firm)
Formes du mot
Adjective
- Base: firm
- Comparative: firmer
- Superlative: firmest
Noun
- Base: firm
- Plural: firms
Verb
- Base: firm
- 3rd Person Singular: firms
- Present Participle: firming
- Past: firmed
Famille de mots
Expressions
a firm hand
1/ə fˈɚm hˈænd/
fixed phrase
Strict control or discipline
Control people or situations in a strict way.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- She stood firm on her decision to quit smoking.
- Despite criticism, the mayor stood firm against the proposal.