surely

American  

[shoor-lee, shur-] / ˈʃʊər li, ˈʃɜr- /

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!

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surely British  

/ 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

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Commonly Confused

See sure.

Etymology

Origin of surely

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

Example Sentences

Her band thought she was insane — surely this would never work — until the word came down via the local promoter that “Melissa’s band” was indeed going to open for the Pumpkins at that show.

From Salon

He was sacked by Spurs 14 years ago and calling for him would surely smack of desperation.

From BBC

For Saracens, eight points off fourth and surely out of the play-off equation for another year, it is an unsettling time.

From BBC

Guardiola accepts City's Premier League destiny is out of their hands, but this victory will surely keep hope alive.

From BBC

That surely had the bosses in Mountain View happy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• absolutely
• assuredly
• certainly
• clearly
• definitely
• evidently
• indeed
• inevitably
• inexorably
• plainly
• undoubtedly
• unquestionably