WordGarden.iosure
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃˈɔː/
US
- /ˈʃʊr/
Meanings
Adjective
certain or convinced that something is true or will happen
certain to work, succeed, or happen; dependable as a method or sign
self-assured, confident, or bold in manner
Interjection
yes; used to agree, allow something, or show willing acceptance
Adverb
used informally for emphasis, as in sure do or sure was
Beyond the definition
To be sure means to have no doubt: you feel certain that something is true or will happen. You might be sure about an answer on a test or sure that a friend will arrive on time. But "sure" is not only about what you know. It can also describe something that is steady, confident, and reliable. A skilled surgeon needs a sure hand, meaning one that is controlled and precise. You can also say "Sure!" or "Sure thing!" as a friendly way of saying yes. So, whether it is about certainty, steady action, or easy agreement, "sure" is a word of confidence.
The word "sure" is surprisingly versatile. At its heart, sure means free from doubt or completely confident about something. Think of a detective who is sure they have found the culprit: they have strong evidence and are not questioning their conclusion. "Are you sure you locked the door?" asks for confirmation and tries to remove uncertainty.
But "sure" goes beyond just knowing things. It can describe a person, action, or quality that is steady, reliable, and well controlled. A carpenter with a sure grip has excellent control and precision. Someone with a sure sense of direction rarely gets lost. A speaker with a sure voice sounds calm and confident. We also use it in phrases like "a sure sign" or "a sure way," where it means dependable or very likely to lead to a result.
"Sure" also works as a friendly affirmation. Saying "Sure!" or "Sure thing!" is a casual way to agree, offer help, or accept a suggestion. It is close to saying "Yes, of course" in an easy, relaxed way.
The word came into English through Old French from the Latin securus, meaning "free from care." That old idea of safety and dependability still echoes in the word today. From confirming facts to describing steady skill to giving warm agreement, "sure" is a small but powerful word about certainty, reliability, and confidence.
Examples
- 1
Direct question
Are you sure this is the right address?
- 2
Uncertain memory
I'm not sure whether I locked the car.
- 3
Decision doubt
She's still not sure about taking the job.
- Patternsure about + noun/-ing
certain or uncertain about that thing
- 4
Self-confidence
He's very sure of himself in front of a crowd.
- Phrasesure of yourself
very confident
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Reminder check
Make sure you bring your passport.
- Patternmake sure + clause
check or do something so it happens
- 6
Reminder action
Make sure to turn off the oven.
- Patternmake sure to + verb
remember to do it
- 7
Friendly reminder
Be sure to email me when you get home.
- Patternbe sure to + verb
don't forget to do it
- 8
Definite answer
We'll know the answer tomorrow for sure.
- Phrasefor sure
definitely
- 9
Casual agreement
"Do you want some more coffee?" "Sure."
- UsageSure.
a friendly, casual yes
- 10
Strong certainty
It'll be a long meeting, that's for sure.
- Phrasethat's for sure
I feel completely certain about that
- 11
Sarcastic doubt
"He says he never forgot my birthday." "Yeah, sure."
- Usage
Yeah, sure. can mean "I don't really believe you"
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sureadjectiveadverb
Forms
- surestsuperlativeadjectiveadverb
- surercomparativeadjectiveadverb