What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
determined
Example
She was determined to finish the race, no matter how difficult it became. [determined: adjective]
Example
After much consideration, he determined that it was the best course of action. [determined: verb]
firm
Example
She held firm to her principles, even when faced with opposition. [firm: adjective]
Example
The manager had to take a firm stance on the issue to maintain order. [firm: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Firm is more commonly used than determined in everyday language. Firm is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while determined is less common and is typically used in personal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between determined and firm?
Both determined and firm can be used in formal and informal contexts, but firm is more versatile and can be used in more formal settings due to its broader range of applications.
