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Tracing “”…
Where does the word "firm" come from? It comes from Latin firmus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "firm" come from? It comes from Latin firmus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient firmus "strong, steady", the root of 'affirm' and 'confirm'.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval ferme "firm", used of solid ground.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s firm "solid", a business 'firm' came via Italian 'firma', a signature.