Logo
dictionary thesaurus

sure

adjective
\ ˈshu̇r How to pronounce sure (audio) , ˈshər, especially Southern ˈshȯr\
surer; surest

Definition of sure

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 obsolete : safe from danger or harm
2 : firmly established : steadfast a sure hold
3 : reliable, trustworthy a sure friend
4a : marked by or given to feelings of confident certainty I'm sure I'm right
b : characterized by a lack of wavering or hesitation sure brush strokes a sure hand
5 : admitting of no doubt : indisputable spoke from sure knowledge
6a : bound to happen : inevitable sure disaster
b : bound, destined is sure to win
7 : careful to remember, attend to, or find out something be sure to lock the door
for sure
: without doubt or question : certainly
to be sure
: it must be acknowledged : admittedly

sure

adverb

Definition of sure (Entry 2 of 2)

: surely
Other Words from sure Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Sure vs. Surely: Usage Guide More Example Sentences Learn More about sure

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from sure

Adjective

sureness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for sure

Adjective

sure, certain, positive, cocksure mean having no doubt or uncertainty. sure usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance. felt sure that I had forgotten something certain may apply to a basing of a conclusion or conviction on definite grounds or indubitable evidence. police are certain about the cause of the fire positive intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it. I'm positive that's the person I saw cocksure implies presumptuous or careless positiveness. you're always so cocksure about everything

Sure vs. Surely: Usage Guide

Adverb

Most commentators consider the adverb sure to be something less than completely standard; surely is usually recommended as a substitute. Our current evidence shows, however, that sure and surely have become differentiated in use. Sure is used in much more informal contexts than surely. It is used as a simple intensive I can never know how much I bored her, but, be certain, she sure amused me — Norman Mailer and, because it connotes strong affirmation, it is used when the speaker or writer expects to be agreed with. it's a moot point whether politicians are less venal than in Twain's day. But they're sure as the devil more intrusive — Alan Abelson he sure gets them to play — D. S. Looney Surely, like sure, is used as a simple intensive I surely don't want to leave the impression that I had an unhappy childhood — E. C. Welsh but it occurs in more formal contexts than sure. Unlike sure it may be used neutrally—the reader or hearer may or may not agree it would surely be possible, within a few years, to program a computer to construct a grammar — Noam Chomsky and it is often used when the writer is trying to persuade. surely a book on the avant-garde cannot be so conventional — Karl Shapiro

Examples of sure in a Sentence

Adjective

 She's not sure who will be there. Are you sure you want to go? Are you sure about that? She'll be there, I'm sure of it. Are you sure of the results? The return of the robins is a sure sign of spring. The letter is a sure indication that she cares. Pizza is a sure crowd pleaser. The surest way to lose weight is with diet and exercise. One sure way to improve your health is to stop smoking.

Adverb

 we sure could use your help here
See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

 In electing to dedicate so much of The Testaments to Lydia’s narrative, Atwood is making sure that readers remember this about her work. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "The Challenge of Margaret Atwood," 5 Sep. 2019 One thing is for sure, though: Once these two powerhouses meet, Ocasio-Cortez will definitely have that false eyelash application down pat. — Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Is Getting a Makeover From Drag Race Star Shuga Cain," 4 Sep. 2019 Make sure to book a table in the garden, which is especially lovely in late spring, when all the roses are in bloom. — Andrea Whittle, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Locals' Guide to Venice," 4 Sep. 2019 Make sure pets have proper ID on their collars and consider a reflective collar for pets who are out in a campsite at night. — oregonlive, "Camping with your dog this Labor Day weekend? Bring a pet first-aid kit, says the ASPCA," 31 Aug. 2019 Deer Park will be the underdogs for sure but the coaching staff needs to see what wrinkles remain. — Robert Avery, Houston Chronicle, "Potts named starting quarterback as Deer Park opens new football season tonight," 30 Aug. 2019 To ensure that your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch is pro

WORD OF THE DAY

bemuse

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!