In a firm manner; solidly; compactly; strongly; steadily; with constancy or fixedness; steadfastly; resolutely; immovably: as, particles of matter firmly cohering; he firmly believes in fatalism; his resolution is firmly fixed.

adverb. In a firm manner.

adverb. In a firm or definite or strong manner.

adverb. Securely

adverb. in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger

adverb. with firmness

adverb. with resolute determination

"Then, last year, producer William Sorin of IPO Records a label firmly focused on the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, of which Mr. Owens was a founding member approached Mr. Owens about a new album, and the trumpeter thought back to another musician-composer from his past who was actually less of a mentor than he might have preferred: Thelonious Monk."

adamantly  bec et ongles  bona fide  close  closely