Sure Meaning and Definition

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: Sure

Sure

Pronunciation

/ˈʃʊər/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A feeling of certainty or confidence that something is true or will happen.

Examples

  • I’m sure the team will win the game.
  • She’s sure that the new policy will work.

Synonyms

  • Certain
  • Positive

Antonyms

  • Uncertain
  • Doubtful

Etymology

From Old English sur ‘certain, sure’, from Proto-Germanic *suriz, from Proto-Indo-European *sṷr-. Other Germanic languages also inherited this word, and it can still be seen in German sicher, Dutch zeker, and Swedish sur.

Usage Notes

Sure can be used as an adverb, such as in “I’m sure I locked the door,” or as a noun, such as in “He expressed no sure about the plan.” Be careful not to confuse it with the verb “ensure”, which means to make something certain.

Cultural References

Sure has been used in many song titles, such as “I’m Sure” by The Velvet Underground and “Sure Thing” by St. Vincent.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

  • I’m sure as hell
  • Sure thing
  • A sure thing

Related Words or Phrases

  • Certain
  • Positive
  • Uncertain

Collocations

  • Sure bet
  • Sure thing
  • Sure fire

Frequency of Use

Sure is a commonly used word in everyday language, and it is found in many contexts, including formal and informal writing and speech.

Common Misspellings

  • Soure
  • Sore

Related Words