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

The decision on how to proceed now rests with Macron, who must surely be asking himself how long this political charade can be allowed to go on.

From BBC

"The gap is clear and it is surely shrinking. But I don't think it's something they will catch up on in the short-term."

From BBC

Internal discussions followed that incident, as they surely will this one.

From BBC

Comey’s indictment — and likely conviction — will surely be followed by others.

From Salon

Within days, it would become a teeming hub of activists, journalists, and members of the public - crowds which will surely gather once again at the new court hearing in Nîmes.

From BBC

Related Words

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