How to pronounce firm
Say it like FURM. Firm is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce firm. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FURM
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Firm pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FURMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of firm
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FURM.
What does firm mean?
- marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable“firm convictions”“a firm mouth”
- not soft or yielding to pressure“a firm mattress”“the snow was firm underfoot”
- strong and sure“a firm grasp”“gave a strong pull on the rope”
- the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments“he worked for a brokerage house”
- with resolute determination“we firmly believed it”“you must stand firm”
Where does firm come from?
From Italian firma (“signature”), from firmare (“to sign”), from Latin firmāre (“to make firm, to confirm (by signature)”), from firmus (“firm, stable”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with firm
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of firm.
Questions about saying firm
How do you pronounce firm?
Say FURM. The American pronunciation is /fɝm/. In British English it is /fɜːm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in firm?
Firm is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: FURM.
Is firm pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /fɜːm/ (FURM).