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

As Alex is shown carrying out the murders, he acts quickly and surely, and his face is nearly emotionless.

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Others will surely fail, and spectacularly so, affecting markets, consumer sentiment and the world economy.

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But now - for a wee while, at least - he will surely only be spoken of in the highest regard.

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“But if I had a child, Fredrick, you would surely know all about him.”

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“It surely has, Miss Lumley. Just look on the mail tray,” the girl replied in her piercing mouse squeak of a voice.

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Related Words

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