1 sure
Pronounced:
/ˈʃɚ, Brit ˈʃɔ:/
Function:
adjectiveInflected forms:
sur·er; sur·estMeaning:
[also more sure; most sure] 1 not used before a noun : not having any doubt about something : convinced or certain ▪ I am sure (that) everything will be fine. ▪ We are quite/completely sure (that) we will be finished on time. ▪ She's not sure who will be there. ▪ Are you sure you want to go? ▪ Are you sure about that? ▪ She'll be there, I'm sure of it. ▪ Are you sure of the results?
2 : not allowing any doubt or possibility of failure ▪ The return of the robins is a sure sign of spring. ▪ The letter is a sure indication that she cares. ▪ Pizza is a sure crowd pleaser. ▪ The surest way to lose weight is with diet and exercise. ▪ One sure way to improve your health is to stop smoking. ▪ He's a sure bet to receive the award. [=he's sure/certain to receive the award] ▪ It's a sure thing that they'll win. [=it is certain that they'll win] ▪ Flowers and chocolates are always sure things [=people always like to be given flowers and chocolates], but consider giving your wife something different this year. —see also sure thing (below)
3 —used to say that something will definitely happen or that someone will definitely do something —usually followed by to + verb ▪ It's sure to be a great party. ▪ I'll be sure to call when I get home. ▪ They are sure to win. ▪ Her latest movie is sure to make you laugh. ▪ Whatever you say, he's sure to disagree with you.
4 : known to be true or correct ▪ What is sure [=definite, indisputable] is that they have a problem, and we have the means to fix it. ▪ Nothing else is sure. ▪ One thing is (for) sure, we'll never eat there again. [=we certainly will never eat there again]
5 a : firm or solid ▪ a sure hold/grip ▪ a hiking boot that provides sure footing [=that helps to keep your foot from slipping] —often used figuratively ▪ He lacks a sure grasp of the issue. [=he does not understand the issue well] ▪ She has a sure command of the French language. b : calm, steady, and confident ▪ the sure hands of a surgeon
2 : not allowing any doubt or possibility of failure ▪ The return of the robins is a sure sign of spring. ▪ The letter is a sure indication that she cares. ▪ Pizza is a sure crowd pleaser. ▪ The surest way to lose weight is with diet and exercise. ▪ One sure way to improve your health is to stop smoking. ▪ He's a sure bet to receive the award. [=he's sure/certain to receive the award] ▪ It's a sure thing that they'll win. [=it is certain that they'll win] ▪ Flowers and chocolates are always sure things [=people always like to be given flowers and chocolates], but consider giving your wife something different this year. —see also sure thing (below)
3 —used to say that something will definitely happen or that someone will definitely do something —usually followed by to + verb ▪ It's sure to be a great party. ▪ I'll be sure to call when I get home. ▪ They are sure to win. ▪ Her latest movie is sure to make you laugh. ▪ Whatever you say, he's sure to disagree with you.
4 : known to be true or correct ▪ What is sure [=definite, indisputable] is that they have a problem, and we have the means to fix it. ▪ Nothing else is sure. ▪ One thing is (for) sure, we'll never eat there again. [=we certainly will never eat there again]
5 a : firm or solid ▪ a sure hold/grip ▪ a hiking boot that provides sure footing [=that helps to keep your foot from slipping] —often used figuratively ▪ He lacks a sure grasp of the issue. [=he does not understand the issue well] ▪ She has a sure command of the French language. b : calm, steady, and confident ▪ the sure hands of a surgeon
be sure
—used to tell someone not to forget to do something ▪ Be sure to lock the door when you leave.
for sure
: without a doubt : definitely or certainly ▪ No one knows for sure [=for certain] what happened. ▪ That was a mistake for sure. = That for sure was a mistake. ▪ (US, informal) “Do you want to come to the party?” “For sure.” [=I certainly do] ▪ “We don't want that to happen again.” “That's for sure!” [=that is certainly true]
make sure
: to find out or do something so that you have no doubt about whether something is true, correct, will happen, etc. ▪ Make sure (that) you turn the oven off. ▪ Remember to make sure (that) all the doors are locked. ▪ They made sure everyone knew where they were supposed to be. ▪ Make sure it doesn't happen again.
sure of yourself
1 : confident in your abilities ▪ He was never very sure of himself as a comedian.
2 somewhat disapproving : overly confident or arrogant ▪ They seem awfully sure of themselves.
2 somewhat disapproving : overly confident or arrogant ▪ They seem awfully sure of themselves.
sure thing
informal —used to say “yes” or to agree to a request or suggestion ▪ “Can you be here in five minutes?” “Sure thing.” —see also 1sure 2 (above)
to be sure
formal —used to say that you admit that something is true ▪ It will be challenging, to be sure, but I am confident that we will succeed.