Sure
Pronunciation
- RP IPA: /ʃʊə/, /ʃɔË/
- Rhymes: -ÊŠÉ™(r), -É”Ë(r)
- GenAm IPA: /ʃʊɹ/, /ʃɔɹ/, /ʃÉ/
- Aus IPA: /ʃoË/
- Homophones: shaw, Shaw in some non-rhotic dialects; shore in some dialects
Origin
From Middle English sure, sur, from Middle French sur, from Old French seür, from Latin sēcūrus ("secure", literally carefree), from se ("apart") + cura ("care") (compare Old English orsorg ("carefree"), from or- ("without") + sorg ("care")). See cure. Displaced native Middle English wis, iwis ("certain, sure") (from Old English ġewis, ġewiss ("certain, sure")), Middle English siker ("sure, secure") (from Old English sicor ("secure, sure")).
Full definition of sure
Adjective
sure
- Physically secure and certain, non-failing, reliable.This investment is a sure thing. The bailiff had a sure grip on the prisoner's arm.
- Certain in one's knowledge or belief.
- 1898, Winston Churchill, The Celebrity Chapter 4, The Celebrity, by arts unknown, induced Mrs. Judge Short and two other ladies to call at Mohair on an 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.
- He was sure she was lying. I am sure of my eventual death. John was acting sure of himself but in truth had doubts.
- Certain to act or be a specified way.Be sure to lock the door when you leave.
- (obsolete) Free from danger; safe; secure.
- ShakespeareFear not; the forest is not three leagues off;
If we recover that we are sure enough. - (obsolete) Betrothed; engaged to marry.
- Sir T. MoreThe king was sure to Dame Elizabeth Lucy, and her husband before God.
- BromeI presume ... that you had been sure as fast as faith could bind you, man and wife.
Synonyms
Adverb
sure
Usage notes
Often proscribed in favor of surely. May be informal.