Accounting firm
Accounting firm (CPAs): taxes, bookkeeping, advisory services.
Definition
Firme: definition, origin and synonyms
What does “firme” mean? Where the word comes from, how it’s used in Quebec, and how it differs from entreprise, société, compagnie or cabinet.
In short
A firme is an industrial or commercial enterprise, designated by its name or business name. The word comes from the English firm, itself from the Italian firma (signature), and appeared in French around 1844. In Quebec, it’s used mostly for professional services businesses: accounting firm, law firm, engineering firm or marketing firm. Synonyms: entreprise, société, maison, cabinet.
Definition of “firme”
Firme (feminine noun): an industrial or commercial enterprise, designated by its name or business name. By extension, any business, especially a professional services business.
| Item | Answer |
|---|---|
| Nature | Feminine common noun |
| Original meaning | A company’s business name, the name under which it does business |
| Common meaning | Business, often in professional services |
| First attestation | 1844 |
| Origine | From English firm, itself from the Italian firma (signature) |
| Synonymes | entreprise, société, maison, cabinet, compagnie |
Where does the word “firme” come from?
The word appeared in French around 1844, meaning “a company’s business name”. It comes from the English firm, borrowed from the Italian firma, meaning “signature”. The idea: the firm is first of all the name that signs contracts on behalf of the business.
The same root is found in the German Firma and, further back, in the Latin firmare, “to strengthen, to confirm”.
How “firme” is used in Quebec
In Quebec, the word is mostly used for professional services businesses:
Law firm
A legal practice that brings lawyers together.
Engineering firm
Consulting engineering company: infrastructure, buildings, environment.
Marketing firm
A company that helps other businesses attract customers.
Definition →Communication firm
Strategy, brand image and public relations.
Our services →Recruiting firm
Searching for candidates on behalf of employers.
Event planning firm
A company that designs, organizes and promotes events: launches, conventions, corporate evenings.
Organize and promote an event →Design firm
Visual identity, logo, print and digital design.
Graphic design →Firme, entreprise, société, compagnie: what’s the difference?
| Mot | Sens | Exemple |
|---|---|---|
| Firme | Business, mostly in professional services; also its trade name | an engineering firm |
| Business | General term for any organization that produces or sells | a small business |
| Company | A business seen from the legal angle (corporation, general partnership) | a corporation |
| Compagnie | Common synonym for business, especially in speech | a transport company |
| Cabinet | Professional office (lawyers, accountants, doctors) | an accounting firm |
Synonyms of “firme”
The right synonym depends on the context:
- Business : the most general synonym (“une firme de 50 employés” = “a company with 50 employees”).
- Company : when talking about the legal form (a corporation).
- Compagnie : very common in Quebec, especially in speech.
- Cabinet : for the liberal professions (lawyers, accountants, notaries).
- Maison : in a more formal register (“une maison d’édition”, a publishing house).
- Agence : for advertising, marketing, communication and events.
In English, “firme” translates as firm (especially for professional services: law firm, accounting firm) or by company.
Example sentences
- “She works for an engineering firm in Quebec City.”
- “The accounting firm prepared our financial statements.”
- “We hired a marketing firm to launch our product.”
- “An event firm is handling our year-end party.”
“The Firm”: the film and the novel
The Firm is the French title of The Firm, an American legal thriller directed by Sydney Pollack and released in 1993. It is adapted from John Grisham’s novel published in 1991.
The film tells the story of Mitch McDeere, a brilliant young lawyer hired by a Memphis firm hiding heavy secrets. The cast includes Tom Cruise (Mitch McDeere), Jeanne Tripplehorn, Gene Hackman, Ed Harris and Holly Hunter, nominated for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for this film.
The title plays on the meaning of the word: firm, in English, refers precisely to a law firm.
And where does FIRME fit in?
FIRME (firme.ca) is a Quebec company that helps firms and small businesses attract more customers. Its free growth diagnostic analyzes your online presence, your competitors and your website, then tells you what to do first.Sources: Wiktionary, “firme” · Larousse, “firme”.
Frequently asked questions
What does the word “firme” mean?
A firme is an industrial or commercial enterprise, designated by its name or business name. In Quebec, the word mostly refers to professional services businesses.
What is the origin of the word “firme”?
The word comes from the English firm, borrowed from the Italian firma, meaning signature. It appeared in French around 1844 in the sense of business name.
What are the synonyms of “firme”?
Enterprise, company, house, firm and, for the liberal professions, practice.
Is “firme” masculine or feminine?
Feminine: une firme, la firme.
What’s the difference between a firme and an entreprise?
The meaning is very close. Entreprise is the general term; firme is used mostly for a professional services business or when talking about its trade name.
How do you say “firme” in English?
Firm, especially for professional services businesses (law firm, accounting firm), or company for a business in general.
What is an event planning firm?
A company that designs, organizes and promotes events: product launches, conventions, conferences, corporate evenings and networking events.
What is The Firm, the film?
The Firm is a 1993 American film by Sydney Pollack, starring Tom Cruise, adapted from John Grisham’s novel. It follows a young lawyer hired by a Memphis firm with questionable practices.