Etymology Map
Back to all words

Firm

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means solid; a business

Where does the word "firm" come from? It comes from Latin firmus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
firmus
Latin · ancient
"strong, steady"
the root of 'affirm' and 'confirm'
2
Stage 2 of 3
ferme
Old French · medieval
"firm"
used of solid ground
3
Stage 3 of 3
firm
English · 1300s
"solid"
a business 'firm' came via Italian 'firma', a signature
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Firm’s story begins in Latin: firmus meant “strong, steady.” The root of 'affirm' and 'confirm'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as ferme. Used of solid ground. It reached English by 1300s as firm. A business 'firm' came via Italian 'firma', a signature. Today, firm means solid; a business.