sure */*/*/

I UK [ʃɔː(r)] / UK [ʃʊə(r)] / US [ʃʊr] adjective
Word forms "sure":
adjective sure comparative surer superlative surest

Ways of indicating that you feel sure about something:

I'm sure → the most usual way of saying that you are sure about something I'm positive/I'm certain/I know for a fact (that) → a stronger, more emphatic way of expressing certainty I know → used for expressing certainty that something will happen, based on a strong feeling rather than on facts I bet → used informally to show that you are confident about the truth of what you are saying No doubt → a more formal way of expressing certainty about what someone is thinking or feeling, often used by people in authority I am satisfied → a way of expressing certainty about the facts of a situation, often used in official situations
Examples:
I'm sure she won't forget – she's very reliable. I'm positive I had the keys with me when I left. ♦ We're certain we made the right decision. ♦ I know for a fact that he lied to me about the party. You're going to enjoy the show – I just know you are. I bet they've gone without us! ♦ I bet he's not as good a cook as you. You will no doubt be relieved to hear that the management has agreed to your request. Having examined the evidence, we are satisfied that safety regulations were not broken.
Ways of indicating that you are not sure about something:
I think → used when you are not completely certain about something Maybe → an informal way of saying that you are not certain about something Perhaps → a more formal way of saying that you are not certain about something As far as I know/To the best of my knowledge → used for saying what you think is true, though you cannot be certain because you do not know all of the facts There's no telling/Who's to say?/You never can tell → used for saying that it is impossible for anyone to be certain about something
Examples:
I think that's what he said, but I can't be certain. It was very noisy. "Do you think it will rain?" "Maybe. We usually get lots of rain at this time of year." I wondered if perhaps he'd forgotten to confirm the booking. As far as I know, he's coming. But I haven't spoken to him for weeks. There's no telling what she will do next. She's so unpredictable.

1) certain that something is real, true, or correct

I think she's called Monica, but I'm not sure.

sure (that):

Are you sure these figures are right?

sure (that):

I was sure that I had left my keys on the counter.

sure about:

If you're really sure about the facts, we'll publish them.

sure how/why/if etc:

No one is really sure why he resigned.

pretty sure (= fairly certain):

I'm pretty sure the pool is open until 6.00.

a) certain about what you feel, what you want, or what you have decided

"I'll take the blue one." "Are you sure?"

not sure how/why/where etc:

They're not really sure where they want to live.

quite/absolutely sure:

I'll certainly support you, if you're quite sure that this is what you want.

b) confident and not in any doubt about something

sure of:

If you're not sure of the answers, say so.

sure of yourself:

He sounded so sure of himself that I began to believe him.

feel sure (that):

I felt sure I could do it if only they'd give me a chance.

2)

a) certain to happen or to result from something

sure to do something:

If you get drunk tonight, you're sure to feel rotten in the morning.

a sure thing/bet (= something that will definitely happen):

Everyone thought it was a sure thing, and we were amazed when they pulled out.

for sure:

One thing is for sure, I'm never going skydiving again!

b) [usually before noun] formal certain to succeed

He took sure aim and squeezed the trigger.

a sure path to success

3) strong and firm

in the sure grip of a powerful emotion

His handshake was sure and confident.

4) used about something that is definite and cannot be questioned or doubted

a sure command of the facts

a sure memory for names

a sure sign/indication (= a clear and definite sign that something is true):

The increase in new home sales is a sure sign the recession is over.

•

- be sure to do something

- make sure

- sure thing

- to be sure

Derived word:
sureness
noun uncountable
II UK [ʃɔː(r)] / UK [ʃʊə(r)] / US [ʃʊr] adverb
Word forms "sure":
comparative surer superlative surest

1)

a) spoken used for saying yes or for agreeing to something

"Can I borrow your green jumper?" "Sure, no problem."

b) mainly American used as a reply when someone thanks you

"I really appreciate all your help." "Sure, anytime."

2) informal used before a statement for admitting that something is true, especially when you then say something that is opposite

Sure, it's a good deal. I just don't think I can afford it.

•

- for sure

- sure enough