firmly-installed
|firm-ly-in-stalled|
🇺🇸
/ˈfɜrmli ɪnˈstɔːld/
🇬🇧
/ˈfɜːmli ɪnˈstɔːld/
secured in place
Etymology
'firmly-installed' originates from Modern English, specifically from combining the adverb 'firmly' and the past participle 'installed'; 'firmly' is formed from the adjective 'firm' + the adverbial suffix '-ly', and 'installed' is the past participle of the verb 'install'.
'firm' (element of 'firmly') comes into English via Old French 'ferme' from Latin 'firmus' meaning 'strong, stable'; 'install' (element of 'installed') comes from Latin 'installare' (in- + 'stallare' related to placing in a stall), passed into Old French as 'installer' and into Middle English before becoming modern English 'install' and its past participle 'installed'.
Initially the components conveyed 'firm/strong' and 'to place or set in position'; combined as 'firmly-installed' the phrase has kept the basic literal meaning 'placed/fastened securely' and has also come to be used figuratively to mean 'securely established' in a role or position.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
installed in a secure, fixed manner; fastened so that it will not move or come loose.
The bookshelf was firmly-installed to the wall to prevent tipping.
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Adjective 2
figuratively established in a position or role with strong support or permanence.
After years of success, she became firmly-installed as the company's chief designer.
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Last updated: 2026/01/13 18:45