firmness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "firmness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quality of being solid, strong, or steadfast in one's beliefs or actions. Example: "The firmness of her resolve was evident as she stood up for what she believed in, despite the opposition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the time being, however, the council has held firm, and that firmness has paid off.

The Economist

He was sentenced to hang, and according to contemporary reports "went through the whole awful Scene with a manly Firmness, join'd with all the Appearances of true Devotion".

The Guardian - Film

But the firmness of those religious instructions is an illusion.

The Guardian - Opinion

He who chooses his plan for himself must...use observation to see, reasoning and judgment to foresee, activity to gather materials for decision, discrimination to decide, and when he has decided, firmness and self-control to hold to his deliberate decision.Reasoning, judgment, discrimination and self-control all of theself-control allrnalists see as burdens the state can and shofld lighthese

The Economist

Already, the AU's firmness over Sudan is a sharp contrast to the largely ineffectual Organisation of African Unity, which it replaced two years ago, and which routinely turned a blind eye to atrocities in member countries.The AU's own "peace and security council" has powers to send troops to stop genocide and war crimes in any member country.

The Economist

In an interview that he gave to Le Figaro this week, President Jacques Chirac said that his government's response had been twofold: "the fundamental fight for equal opportunities" and "firmness in the face of violence".In the first area, there has been some effort at improvement.

The Economist

On Sunday November 6th, the eleventh night in a row of unrest in France, the violence intensified and spread to new areas, despite promises from the government to stamp it out; and on Monday night, hours after the prime minister, Dominque de Villepin, had promised "firmness" in dealing with rioters, the streets of many towns and cities were once again ablaze.

The Economist

He was opposed to the Mexican war, and it is well known that his firmness on the subject of the extension of slavery in the territories was the immediate motive for the secession of the South.

The Economist

She is impressive up close, mixing personal charm with firmness and an evident grasp of technical detail.

The Economist

Aficionados relish the girth, firmness and fragrance of their cigars.

The Economist

In a letter of resignation to the IMF's board on May 18th he denied "with the greatest possible firmness all the allegations that have been made against me".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "firmness" to describe a person's character, ensure it aligns with positive attributes like resolve and determination, rather than negative ones like rigidity or inflexibility.

Common error

Avoid using "firmness" when the context implies an unwillingness to compromise or consider alternative viewpoints. "Firmness" should denote strength of character, not closed-mindedness.

Linguistic Context

The word "firmness" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state or quality of being firm. It often describes the strength, stability, or resoluteness of an object, decision, or person's character. As evidenced by Ludwig, it often appears in contexts discussing leadership and policy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "firmness" is a frequently used noun, mainly in News & Media, signifying strength, stability, and resolve. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. When employing "firmness", ensure it aligns with positive attributes and avoids implying rigidity. Related terms like "resolve" and "steadfastness" offer nuanced alternatives to convey similar meanings. Given its prevalence in authoritative sources, "firmness" is a valuable term for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve

Focuses on the determination to follow through with a decision or plan.

steadfastness

Highlights unwavering commitment and consistency.

strength

Emphasizes physical or moral power and resilience.

resolution

Stresses a firm decision to do or not do something.

determination

Implies a strong will to achieve a goal.

tenacity

Suggests persistent effort and refusal to give up.

solidity

Emphasizes the quality of being firm or stable in structure.

sturdiness

Highlights robustness and the ability to withstand pressure.

stability

Focuses on the state of being steady and not easily changed.

hardness

Emphasizes resistance to pressure and lack of give.

FAQs

How can I use "firmness" in a sentence?

You can use "firmness" to describe the quality of being solid, strong, or steadfast. For example, "The council has held "firm", and that "firmness" has paid off."

What are some synonyms for "firmness"?

Alternatives to "firmness" include "resolve", "steadfastness", "strength", and "resolution", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of the same core meaning.

Is it correct to use "firmness" in a formal context?

Yes, "firmness" is appropriate for formal contexts, especially when discussing leadership, policy, or decision-making. For instance, you might speak of a leader's "firmness" in the face of opposition.

What is the difference between "firmness" and "strictness"?

"Firmness" generally implies a positive quality of resolve and stability, while "strictness" suggests adherence to rules and regulations, sometimes with a negative connotation of being overly harsh or inflexible.