sure
free from doubt as to the reliability, character, action, etc., of something: to be sure of one's data.
confident, as of something expected: sure of success.
convinced, fully persuaded, or positive: to be sure of a person's guilt.
assured or certain beyond question: a sure victory.
worthy of confidence; reliable; stable: a sure messenger.
unfailing; never disappointing expectations: a sure cure.
unerring; never missing, slipping, etc.: a sure aim.
admitting of no doubt or question: sure proof.
destined; bound inevitably; certain: sure death.
Obsolete. secure; safe.
be sure, to take care (to be or do as specified); be certain: Be sure to close the windows.
Informal. certainly; surely: It sure is cold out. Sure, I'll come.
Idioms about sure
for sure, as a certainty; surely: It's going to be a good day, for sure.
make sure, to be or become absolutely certain: I'm calling to make sure that you remember to come.
sure enough, Informal. as might have been supposed; actually; certainly: Sure enough, the picnic was rained out.
to be sure,
without doubt; surely; certainly.
admittedly: She sings well, to be sure, but she can't act.
Origin of sure
1confusables note For sure
Other words from sure
- sureness, noun
- o·ver·sure, adjective
- o·ver·sure·ly, adverb
- o·ver·sure·ness, noun
- un·sure, adjective
- un·sure·ly, adverb
- un·sure·ness, noun
Words Nearby sure
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use sure in a sentence
I’m 98 percent sure I saw him at my local Seattle post office over the holidays.
Can Billionaires Really Save Us from Climate Disaster? | Heather Hansman | February 12, 2021 | Outside OnlineAs an SEO professional, we’re sure that there’s one word you’ve heard and used often, and that is, “keywords”.
A comprehensive guide on using Google Trends for keyword research | Aayush Gupta | February 12, 2021 | Search Engine WatchIt’s his life and his job on the line, and I want to make sure that I’m protecting his values and everything that he’s doing.
Also be sure to let friends who haunt garage and estate sales know that you’re on the lookout.
Replacing pieces of flatware or china can be a challenge. Here’s how to track them down. | Laura Daily | February 11, 2021 | Washington PostIf you enjoy hiking, I’m sure there’s someone else on this list for you.
“They sure took the Sony thing seriously,” Attkisson said dryly.
Ex-CBS Reporter Sharyl Attkisson’s Battle Royale With the Feds | Lloyd Grove | January 9, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTAnd it must make sure that the platform of debate where we can freely exchange ideas is safe and sound.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Our Duty Is to Keep Charlie Hebdo Alive | Ayaan Hirsi Ali | January 8, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTOur duty is to make sure that they realize that the Prophet is not avenged.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Our Duty Is to Keep Charlie Hebdo Alive | Ayaan Hirsi Ali | January 8, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTI like the idea of Jon Hamm… There have been discussions—though I'm not sure how serious they've been.
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS | Marlow Stern | January 8, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST“He has to really stay on the down low, he has to make sure that he blends in,” Ney told the Beast.
Abramoff’s Advice for Virginia’s New Jailhouse Guv | Tim Mak, Jackie Kucinich | January 7, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTWhen a man converses with himself, he is sure that he does not converse with an enemy.
I am therefore quite sure I shall be content to await his father's consent, should it not come these many years.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4 | Jane PorterAnd sure enough when Sunday came, and the pencil was restored to him, he promptly showed nurse his picture.
Children's Ways | James SullyHe had seen the act committed, he felt sure but had made no effort whatever to stop the thief.
The Homesteader | Oscar MicheauxGold and silver make the feet stand sure: but wise counsel is above them both.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | Various
British Dictionary definitions for sure
/ (ʃʊə, ʃɔː) /
(sometimes foll by of) free from hesitancy or uncertainty (with regard to a belief, conviction, etc): we are sure of the accuracy of the data; I am sure that he is lying
(foll by of) having no doubt, as of the occurrence of a future state or event: sure of success
always effective; unfailing: a sure remedy
reliable in indication or accuracy: a sure criterion
(of persons) worthy of trust or confidence: a sure friend
not open to doubt: sure proof
admitting of no vacillation or doubt: he is very sure in his beliefs
bound to be or occur; inevitable: victory is sure
(postpositive) bound inevitably (to be or do something); certain: she is sure to be there tonight
physically secure or dependable: a sure footing
obsolete free from exposure to harm or danger
be sure (usually imperative or dependent imperative; takes a clause as object or an infinitive, sometimes with to replaced by and) to be careful or certain: be sure and shut the door; I told him to be sure to shut the door
for sure without a doubt; surely
make sure
(takes a clause as object) to make certain; ensure
(foll by of) to establish or confirm power or possession (over)
sure enough informal as might have been confidently expected; definitely: often used as a sentence substitute
to be sure
without doubt; certainly
it has to be acknowledged; admittedly
(sentence substitute) informal willingly; yes
(sentence modifier) informal, mainly US and Canadian without question; certainly
Origin of sure
1Derived forms of sure
- sureness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with sure
In addition to the idioms beginning with sure
- sure as shooting
- sure cure
- sure enough
- sure of oneself
- sure thing
also see:
- for certain (sure)
- make sure
- slow but sure
- to be sure
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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