fermezza

firmness

noun fer-MEHT-tsah Rare

Also means

resolve

Usage Note

Fermezza derives from fermo (firm, steady) and denotes mental or moral steadfastness rather than physical hardness (for which durezza is used). Common collocations include con fermezza (firmly, with resolve) and parlare con fermezza (to speak firmly). It is an abstract noun and has no plural in common use.

Examples

"Ha risposto con grande fermezza alle critiche."

Natural Translation

She responded to the criticism with great firmness.

Literal Translation

She-has responded with great firmness to-the criticisms.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Tu vs Lei: Formal & Informal "You" in Italian

When in doubt, use Lei. Here's exactly when to use tu vs Lei in Italian — the who-to-use-with map, the verb and possessive shifts, and how to switch politely.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Italian False Friends: 20 Words That Trick You

Italian false friends like preservativo, parenti, and caldo mean the opposite of what English speakers expect. Here are 20 ranked by how badly they bite.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Avere Fame: Why Italians "Have" Hunger, Not "Are"

In Italian you say Ho fame (I have hunger), never sono fame. Learn the avere + noun rule for fame, freddo, paura, age, and the sono caldo trap to avoid.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Essential Italian Travel Phrases (With Vorrei)

Vorrei means I would like — the politest, most useful Italian travel phrase. Learn five reusable frames to order, ask prices, and find your way in Italy.

June 5, 2026 5 min read