terra firma

Where does the word "terra firma" come from? It comes from Latin terra firma, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).

Terra firma’s story begins in Latin: terra firma meant “firm land.” Firm land, from terra (earth, land) and firmus (firm, solid). It reached English by 1600s as terra firma. Venice called its mainland territories the 'Terraferma'. Today, terra firma means solid, dry ground, especially as contrasted with the sea or air.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient terra firma "firm land", firm land, from terra (earth, land) and firmus (firm, solid).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1600s terra firma "solid ground, especially as opposed to sea or air", Venice called its mainland territories the 'Terraferma'.