different between firmly vs inexorably

English

Etymology

firm +? -ly

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /f?mli/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /f??mli/
• Hyphenation: firm?ly

Adverb

firmly (comparative firmlier or more firmly, superlative firmliest or most firmly)

1. (manner) In a firm or definite or strong manner.

2. (manner) Securely.

Translations

English

Etymology

From inexorable +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?n??k.s?.??.bli/, [?n???.z?.??.bli]

Adverb

inexorably (comparative more inexorably, superlative most inexorably)

1. In an inexorable manner; without the possibility of stopping or prevention.

   We watched as the storm clouds advanced inexorably closer to us.

   • 2000, Mark Gatiss, Last of the Gaderene, chapter 27

     The strange group of villagers shuffled inexorably forward.#* 2003, Matrix Reloaded, The Architect

     While it remains a burden assiduously avoided, it is not unexpected, and thus not beyond a measure of control. Which has led you, inexorably, here.

   • 2007, Scott Smith, The Ruins, page 136

     Later, they all felt guilty about having laughed, especially when it looked as if she might not be able to walk again. But she did, eventually—implacably, inexorably—with a slight limp, perhaps, although this was barely noticeable, not noticeable at all, really, unless you knew the story, unless you were watching for it.

Synonyms

• (in an inexorable manner): relentlessly, unrelentingly

Related terms

• inexorable

Translations