B2nounformalpsychologysociety
US/ˈfɜːrm.nəs/
UK/ˈfɜːm.nəs/
the quality of being solid and strong, or of staying determined and not changing your mind
In context
Press the mattress to test its firmness before you buy it.
The teacher spoke with firmness, and the class fell silent.
Her firmness during the negotiations won the respect of her opponents.
Words that go with firmness
noun + preposition
- with firmnessHe refused the offer politely but with firmness.
- firmness ofThe firmness of the soil makes it good for building.
verb + noun
- test the firmnessGently squeeze the fruit to test the firmness.
- show firmnessLeaders must show firmness in a crisis.
- lack firmnessParents who lack firmness often struggle with discipline.
adjective + noun
- gentle firmnessShe handled the child with gentle firmness.