firm

I

(New American Roget's College Thesaurus)

adj. immovable, secure; unalterable, steadfast; solid, hard; steady, vigorous; unalterable, resolute, determined. See stability, probity, density, resolution.—n. partnership, company, house. See business, party.

II

(Roget's IV) modif.

1. [Stable]

Syn. fixed, solid, rooted, immovable, fastened, motionless, secured, steady, substantial, durable, rigid, bolted, welded, riveted, soldered, embedded, nailed, tightened, screwed, spiked, anchored, moored, fast, secure, sound, immobile, unmovable, mounted, unmoving, stationary, set, petrified, settled.

Ant. loose*, movable, mobile.

2. [Firm in texture]

Syn. solid, dense, compact, hard, stiff, impenetrable, close-grained, fine-grained, impervious, rigid, inelastic, hardened, inflexible, congealed, unyielding, thick, compressed, substantial, heavy, nonporous, close, condensed, thickset, impermeable, refractory.

Ant. soft*, porous, flabby.

3. [Settled in purpose]

Syn. determined, steadfast, constant, unwavering; see resolute 2 .

4. [Definite]

Syn. specific, explicit, fixed, confirmed; see definite 1 , determined 1 .

5. [Indicating firmness]

Syn. strong, vigorous, steady, determined, adamant, hard, cold, sound, stout, sturdy, staunch.

Ant. weak*, irresolute, unsteady.

• stand ( or [m1]• hold) firm,

Syn. be steadfast, hold one's ground, maintain one's resolution; see resist 1 , resolve 1 .

Syn.- firm , in referring to material consistency, suggests a compactness that does not yield easily to, or is very resilient under, pressure [ a firm mattress ] ; hard is applied to that which is so firm that it is not easily penetrated, cut, or crushed [hard as rock ] ; solid suggests a dense consistency throughout a mass or substance that is firm or hard and often connotes heaviness or substantiality [solid brick ] ; stiff implies resistance to bending or stretching [ a stiff collar ]

III

(Roget's 3 Superthesaurus)

I

n.

company, corporation, business, enterprise, concern, outfit, institution, house, organization, conglomeration.

II

a.

1. hard solid, stiff, rigid, compressed, compact, unyielding, stony, inflexible, set.

2. fixed stationary, unmovable, stable, immovable, secure, immobile, anchored, sturdy, tight, unshakable, solid, rooted.

3. constant, resolute consistent, enduring, steady, staunch, unshakable, fixed, persevering, unwavering, true, steadfast.

ANT.: 1. soft, loose. 2. unstable, mobile, movable. 3. wavering, unsteady, irresolute

IV

(Roget's Thesaurus II) adjective 1. Unyielding to pressure or force: hard, incompressible, solid. See RESIST, STRONG. 2. Firmly settled or positioned: fast, secure, stable, steady, strong, sure. See CONTINUE. 3. Not easily moved or shaken: secure, solid, sound2, stable, strong, sturdy, substantial, sure, unshakable. See CONTINUE, STRONG. 4. Indicating or possessing determination, resolution, or persistence: constant, determined, resolute, steadfast, steady, stiff, tough, unbending, uncompromising, unflinching, unwavering, unyielding. See PURPOSE. 5. Not hesitating or wavering: decided, decisive, determined, resolute. See DECIDE. 6. Adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, a cause, or a duty: allegiant, constant, faithful, fast, liege, loyal, staunch, steadfast, true. See CONTINUE, TRUST. 7. In a definite and final form; not likely to change: certain, fixed, flat, set1. See CHANGE. 8. Persistently holding to something: clinging, fast, secure, tenacious, tight. See FREE, TIGHTEN.

V

(Roget's Thesaurus II) noun A commercial organization: business, company, concern, corporation, enterprise, establishment, house. Informal: outfit. See GROUP.