1The quality of having a solid, almost unyielding surface or structure.

1. 1.1 The application of steady but not excessive power or strength.
   the firmness of his hand on my chest

   he sang with a wonderful firmness of tone

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The four vocalists have a firm grasp on the necessary style, and sing with firmness but not with heaviness.
   • Thanks to that stiff chassis and some innovative front suspension, it is well balanced between comfort and firmness of ride.
   • The gentle touch had been replaced by the firmness of loveless hands.
   • The body of the knife is slotted aluminum for lightness and firmness of grip.
   • I indulged in the firmness of his hand on my chest, the warmness of his body so close to mine.
   • When people say, "I liked him from the first handshake," they are not referring to firmness of grasp but to a moment of authentic connection.
   • Taking her hand, the warmth of it entranced him, and the firmness of her grasp surprised him.
   • The firmness of the power steering can be tailored during vehicle build to suit the taste of the owner.
   • Hatch took the hand and met the firmness of Ward's grip.
   • He was ready to fight for his sister's right to remain there, but was checked by the increasing firmness of his father's grip.
2. 1.2 Resolute determination and strength of character.
   his firmness of purpose gained him a devoted following

   Example sentencesExamples

   • He was said to have combined ability, firmness, and impartiality with dignity and good temper.
   • When she speaks about her homeland, there is a firmness in her eyes.
   • You have shown a firmness and a commitment that has been admired by our members.
   • She conducted herself with calmness and firmness, and she resolutely refused to be undermined and bullied by those around her.
   • Young people are the most vulnerable in our society and need guidance, firmness, and leadership.
   • This will not be accomplished unless good intentions are accompanied by both insight and firmness.
   • Many of those at the funeral not only expressed sorrow at his death, but commented on his self-sacrifice and firmness.
   • Other views have lacked the incisiveness and the firmness of conviction that make his analysis a classic in the history of rate regulation.
   • We watched him on television that night speak with sadness, firmness, and dignity.
   • It is because of Esther's firmness in their decision to send Deborah to the hospital that Jacob doesn't bring Deborah home as he wishes.
3. 1.3 The state of being fixed, definite, or constant.
   so certain were we of the firmness of our plan

   the continuing firmness of oil prices

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Some stocks kept their recent firmness, with the photo-film company rising 2.17 percent.
   • The economy is still solid due to strong exports and continued firmness in personal consumption and corporate capital spending.
   • By a combination of firmness in direction and flexibility in finding business opportunities, the cooperative is moving ahead.
   • At the hospital, a doctor prods the firmness of her sanity.
   • The leasing industry was also steady, thanks to the firmness of contracts for leasing information equipment.
   • Sometimes I'll describe it as an evanescent delusion, sometimes as a centuries-old tradition established with surprising firmness.
   • There is a way in which historical events take on an absolute firmness that cannot be dislodged.
   • Suppliers rushed in to convert the hard currency into kwacha, causing the local currency to hold firmness.
   • Any specific conditions you put into this clause reduce the firmness of the transaction.
   • Its resoluteness in the face of international challenges and firmness on security dictate that the government deserves another term.