firmly held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "firmly held" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that an opinion, belief, or attitude is strongly held and unlikely to be changed. For example: "My grandmother had firmly held beliefs about the value of hard work that she passed down to her children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I admit to a firmly held prejudice," the book begins.

The New York Times

The tool tip is attached to the free end of the PZT while the other end is firmly held stationary.

Precision Engineering

From the early days of the federation two principles were firmly held.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If it is firmly held against the marksman's shoulder, the recoil will be greatly reduced.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That, she said, would violate his firmly held religious beliefs and Catholic doctrine.

The Washington Post

That view was especially firmly held by James Madison, the main drafter of the Takings Clause.

The Washington Post

"When do you tell the difference between firmly held religious belief and bias?" Seliger asked.

The Guardian

"We're a league of our own". Opinions here were firmly held and decidedly against the President.

The New York Times

Underlying Lievsay manner is his belief, firmly held, that his work is craft, not art.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is a bond that must stay intact for life; outliving relationships, employment and firmly-held beliefs.

The Guardian - Sport

Those well-researched, firmly-held opinions that beam from his eyes like lasers of pure data.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "firmly held" to convey the strength and stability of a belief, opinion, or position. It emphasizes that the idea is not easily swayed or abandoned. For instance, "She had a firmly held conviction that education was the key to success."

Common error

While "firmly held" is suitable for formal writing, be cautious about overusing it in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "strong" or "deep" may sound more natural. For instance, instead of saying "He had a firmly held belief in aliens" in a casual setting, consider "He strongly believed in aliens."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firmly held" functions as an adjective phrase that typically modifies nouns such as "belief", "opinion", or "conviction". It describes the quality of being strongly and resolutely maintained. Ludwig AI affirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "firmly held" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe the intensity and unwavering nature of beliefs, opinions, and principles. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. As demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig, this expression frequently appears in news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. Its prevalence signals its effectiveness in conveying the steadfast commitment to particular ideas. When seeking alternatives, consider "strongly believed" or "deeply ingrained", depending on the specific context. When using "firmly held", it's important to remember its suitability for more formal contexts, while simpler options may work better in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strongly believed

Focuses on the act of believing with strength, implying a deep conviction.

deeply ingrained

Suggests the belief is rooted deeply within someone's mind or culture.

staunchly maintained

Emphasizes the act of steadfastly defending or upholding a belief or position.

resolutely adhered to

Highlights a firm and unwavering commitment to a principle or belief.

firmly rooted

Implies that the belief is well-established and difficult to change.

unshakably convinced

Underscores the unwavering nature of the conviction.

tenaciously defended

Focuses on the persistent and determined defense of a belief or position.

immovably fixed

Suggests the belief is resistant to change or influence.

embedded in

Highlights the belief being an integral part of someone's thinking or values.

fixed opinion

Emphasizes a belief that is unlikely to change.

FAQs

How do you use "firmly held" in a sentence?

You can use "firmly held" to describe a belief, opinion, or value that someone strongly believes in and is unlikely to change. For example: "Despite the evidence, he maintained his "firmly held belief"."

What are some alternatives to "firmly held"?

Alternatives to "firmly held" include "strongly believed", "deeply ingrained", or "staunchly maintained". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "firmly held belief" or "strong belief"?

"Firmly held belief" and "strong belief" are similar, but "firmly held" emphasizes the unwavering nature of the belief, suggesting it's unlikely to change. "Strong belief" simply indicates a high degree of conviction. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Can "firmly held" be used to describe anything besides beliefs?

Yes, "firmly held" can describe opinions, values, or principles. It emphasizes the strength and stability of whatever is being described. For instance: "She had a "firmly held opinion" on the matter."