State firmly (4)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
avow
'state firmly' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for avow that I've seen before include "Declare a promise of fidelity at the altar" , "Affirm, swear" , "Assert - admit" , "Make a promise" , "Declare - admit" .)