sure
//ʃɔː//
informalForms
- Comparative
- surer
- Superlative
- surest
- Comparative
- more sure
- Superlative
- most sure
Definitions
1.Physically secure and certain, non-failing, reliable.
- This investment is a sure thing.
- The bailiff had a sure grip on the prisoner's arm.
2.Certain in one's knowledge or belief.
- He was sure of being a finalist.
- They aren't sure who will attend for sure.
- Are you sure to succeed, as polls say? , Well, I am at least certain of making it to the podium this time.
3.Certain to act or be a specified way.
- Be sure to lock the door when you leave.
1.Without doubt, certainly.
- Sure he's coming! Why wouldn't he?
- "Did you kill that bear yourself?" ―"I sure did!"
- Isn’t there another way to do it? – Sure is, if you don’t mind going back home.
1.Yes; of course.
- "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.
- "Do you want me to put this in the garage?" "Sure, go ahead."
- "Do you like cats?" "Sure."
3.You're welcome; polite response to being thanked.
- "Thanks for helping me with that electrical fault." "Sure. Any time."
Frequency
Overall
Very common· #247
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Very common
- General reading & writing
- Very common
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Common
Related words
Word family
Etymology
From Middle English sure, seur, sur, from Middle French sur or Old French seür, from Latin sēcūrus (“secure”, literally “carefree”), from sē- (“apart”) + cūra (“care”) (compare Old English orsorg (“carefree”), from or- (“without”) + sorg (“care”)). See cure. Doublet of secure and the now obsolete or dialectal sicker (“certain, safe”).