sure — English Dictionary

Adjective

1. Physically secure and certain, non-failing, reliable.

   Examples

   This investment is a sure thing.

   The bailiff had a sure grip on the prisoner's arm.

   More examples (1)

   'In the end,' said Mustapha Mond, 'the Controllers realized that force was no good. The slower but infinitely surer methods of ectogenesis, Neo-Pavlovian conditioning and hypnopædia…'

2. Certain in one's knowledge or belief.

   Examples

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   The very excess of the extravagance, in fact, by suggesting to the reader continually the mere aeriality of the entire speculation, furnishes the surest means of disenchanting him from the horror which might else gather upon his feelings.

   The Celebrity, by arts unknown, induced Mrs. Judge Short and two other ladies to call at Mohair on a certain afternoon when Mr. Cooke was trying a trotter on the track. The three returned wondering and charmed with Mrs. Cooke; they were sure she had had no hand in the furnishing of that atrocious house.

   Roy: I'm 95% sure it was him. Jen: You... you said you were 99% sure. Roy: I'm 97% sure it was him.

   Are you sure to succeed, as polls say? —Well, I am at least certain of making it to the podium this time.

   More examples (3)

   He was sure of being a finalist.

   They aren't sure who will attend for sure.

   You seemed sure that the car was his. Yeah. I’m not sure what is the point of spending hours and hours discussing this.

3. Certain to act or be a specified way.

   Usage

   • followed by a to infinitive

   Examples

   Be sure to lock the door when you leave.

4. Certain to obtain something.

   Examples

   Many people book early in order to be sure of the best seats.

5. Free from danger; safe; secure.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

   Examples

   Feare not: the Forreſt is not three leagues off, / If we recouer that, we are ſure enough.

6. Betrothed; engaged to marry.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

   Examples

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   c. 1513-1518 (probably date written, published after 1535) Thomas More, History of King Richard III The king was sure to Dame Elizabeth Lucy, and her husband before God.

   I presum'd […] [that] you had been sure, as fast as faith could bind you, man and wife.

Adverb

1. Without doubt, certainly.

   Usage

   • modal

   Examples

   Sure he's coming! Why wouldn't he?

   "Did you kill that bear yourself?" ―"I sure did!"

   More examples (3)

   It sure is cold out

   Isn’t there another way to do it? – Sure is, if you don’t mind going back home.

   These high and gusty relishes of life, sure, Have no allayings of mortality in them.

2. Without fail, surely.

   Usage

   • Archaic

   Examples

   Theſe are the wings ſhall make it flie as ſwift, As dooth the lightening: or the breath of heauen, And kill as ſure as it ſwiftly flies.

Interjection

1. Yes; of course.

   Usage

   • in response to a request for help or a favour

   Examples

   "Could you tell me where the washrooms are?" "Sure, they're in the corner over there."

2. Yes; I guess; you could say that; a weak or noncommittal positive response.

   Usage

   • in response to other questions

   Examples

   "Do you like cats?" "Sure."

   "Do you want me to put this in the garage?" "Sure, go ahead."

3. You're welcome; polite response to being thanked.

   Examples

   "Thanks for helping me with that electrical fault." "Sure. Any time."

Adjective

1. having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

   Synonyms

   certain

   Antonyms

   unsure

   Examples

   felt certain of success

   was sure (or certain) she had seen it

   More examples (2)

   was very sure in his beliefs

   sure of her friends

2. exercising or taking care great enough to bring assurance

   Synonyms

   certain

   Examples

   be certain to disconnect the iron when you are through

   be sure to lock the doors

3. certain to occur; destined or inevitable

   Synonyms

   certain

   Examples

   he was certain to fail

   his fate is certain

   More examples (3)

   he faced certain death

   sudden but sure regret

   he is sure to win

4. physically secure or dependable

   Examples

   a sure footing

   was on sure ground

5. reliable in operation or effect

   Synonyms

   certain

   Examples

   a quick and certain remedy

   a sure way to distinguish the two

   More examples (1)

   wood dust is a sure sign of termites

6. (of persons) worthy of trust or confidence

   Synonyms

   trusted

   Examples

   a sure (or trusted) friend

7. infallible or unfailing

   Examples

   a sure (or true) sign of one's commitment

8. certain not to fail

   Examples

   a sure hand on the throttle

9. impossible to doubt or dispute

   Synonyms

   indisputable

   Examples

   indisputable (or sure) proof

Adverb

1. definitely or positively (‘sure’ is sometimes used informally for ‘surely’)

   Synonyms

   surelycertainlyfor surefor certainsure enoughsure as shooting

   Examples

   the results are surely encouraging

   she certainly is a hard worker

   More examples (6)

   it's going to be a good day for sure

   they are coming, for certain

   they thought he had been killed sure enough

   he'll win sure as shooting

   they sure smell good

   sure he'll come