Firmness Meaning

/ˈfɝmnəs/
C1

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Listen pronunciation

nounThe state of being firm

nounThe state of being firm, security; steadfastness; good grip

The firmness of the mattress was impressive.
He admired her firmness in the face of adversity.
She answered the difficult question with absolute firmness.
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ of his handshake conveyed confidence and strong reliability.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The chef checked the ____ of the pasta to ensure it was cooked perfectly to Al dente.

Etymology tree English firm Proto-Germanic *-inōną Proto-Indo-European *-dyé- Proto-Germanic *-atjaną Proto-Indo-European *-tus Proto-Germanic *-þuz Proto-Germanic *-assuz Proto-Germanic *-inassuz Proto-West Germanic *-nassī Old English -nes Middle English -nesse English -ness English firmness From firm + -ness.

"But many a man who would have stood within a home dismantled, strong in his passion and design of vengeance, has had the firmness of his nature conquered by the razing of an air–built castle." — 1842 December – 1844 July, Charles Dickens, chapter 23, in The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit, London: Chapman and Hall, […], published 1844, →OCLC:
"France, for the first time since the death of Charlemagne, was governed by a prince of great firmness and ability." — 1849–1861, Thomas Babington Macaulay, The History of England from the Accession of James the Second, volume (please specify |volume=I to V), London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, →OCLC:

Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words

CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ of his handshake conveyed confidence and strong reliability.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The chef checked the ____ of the pasta to ensure it was cooked perfectly to Al dente.

Expand Your Vocabulary with LexUp

Master English words using smart flashcards, play exciting word rounds, and compete with other learners worldwide.

Browse CEFR Words Alphabetically