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Terra firma

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means solid, dry ground, especially as contrasted with the sea or air
1
Stage 1 of 2
terra firma
Latin · ancient
"firm land"
firm land, from terra (earth, land) and firmus (firm, solid)
2
Stage 2 of 2
terra firma
English · 1600s
"solid ground, especially as opposed to sea or air"
adopted directly into English for solid ground, especially after being at sea
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