surely

[shoor-lee, shur-]

adverb

1. firmly; unerringly; without missing, slipping, etc.

2. undoubtedly, assuredly, or certainly.

   The results are surely encouraging.

3. (in emphatic utterances that are not necessarily sustained by fact) assuredly.

   Surely you are mistaken.

4. inevitably or without fail.

   Slowly but surely the end approached.

5. yes, indeed.

   Surely, I'll go with you!

surely

/ ˈʃɔː-, ˈʃʊəlɪ /

adverb

1. without doubt; assuredly

   things could surely not have been worse

2. without fail; inexorably (esp in the phrase slowly but surely )

3. (sentence modifier) am I not right in thinking that?; I am sure that

   surely you don't mean it?

4. rare,  in a sure manner

5. archaic,  safely; securely

6. (sentence substitute) willingly; of course; yes

Confusables Note

See sure.

Word History and Origins

Origin of surely¹

First recorded in 1300–50, surely is from the Middle English word surliche. See sure, -ly

Example Sentences

If that is broken, it will be a large negative, and if support at 6,500 were broken, sellers would surely flood in.

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Slowly but surely, these conservatives accumulated influence and allies, and they finally reached the zenith of their political power with Reagan’s 1980 election as president.

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“We’re all in the room with you,” she said, a sentiment Harris’ supporters surely understood.

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Anyone who thinks this new technology isn’t going to devastate vast numbers of knowledge and white-collar jobs across many industries is surely living in a fantasy.

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Victory against Falkirk is surely a must for supporters, with a section of the fanbase having been actively protesting against the club's board and a further demonstration planned.

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Related Words

• absolutely 
• assuredly 
• certainly 
• clearly 
• definitely 
• evidently 
• indeed 
• inevitably 
• inexorably 
• plainly www.thesaurus.com
• undoubtedly 
• unquestionably