The Open Dictionary

sure

adjective

UK/ʃɔːʳ/
US/ʃʊr/

Definitions of sure adjective

  1. A2

    certain; without any doubt

    • "What's wrong with him?" "I'm not entirely sure."

    • I am sure I placed my keys on the desk.

    • I am completely sure that your decision is correct.

  2. If you have a sure knowledge or understanding of something, you know or understand it very well.

    • I don't believe he has a firm grasp of the situation.

Phrases of sure adjective

  • for sure

    Certainly; without a doubt; definitely.

    • She said she would come, so she will be here for sure.

  • be sure of yourself

    To have a strong sense of confidence in one's abilities or judgment, sometimes to an excessive degree.

    • She has become very sure of herself since she started performing on stage.

  • be sure of something

    To be confident or certain that something is true.

    • I'm not sure of finishing this report on time.

  • be sure of/about someone

    to have trust and confidence in someone.

    • Despite his mistakes, I am still sure of his capabilities.

  • be sure to

    To be certain or very likely to happen.

    • If you don't leave soon, you're sure to miss your flight.

  • make sure (that)

    To take necessary actions or verify to be certain that something will happen, is true, or is the case.

    • Please make sure to check all the data before submitting the report.

adverb

UK/ʃɔːʳ/
US/ʃʊr/

Definitions of sure adverb

  1. A2

    certainly

    • "Would you like to join us for a swim?" "Sure."

    • "Could you help me with this?" "Sure, I can."

    • I am definitely hungry.

  2. said when someone has thanked you

    • "Thanks for your help." "Sure, any time."

Idioms

  • sure enough

    as was expected; predictably.

    • The weather forecast said it would rain, and sure enough, it started raining just as I was leaving.

  • (as) sure as hell

    Used to emphasize the certainty of something.

    • If he does that again, he's sure as hell going to be in trouble.

  • sure thing

    Used to express enthusiastic agreement or to confirm that a request will be fulfilled.

    • "Could you help me carry these books upstairs?" "Sure thing!"

  • (as) sure as eggs is eggs

    Used to emphasize that something is absolutely certain or will definitely happen.

    • He will succeed if he works hard, as sure as eggs is eggs.

  • to be sure

    Without a doubt; certainly; definitely.

    • This is not his best work, to be sure, but it's still worth reading.

  • a sure thing

    Something that is highly likely to occur or succeed.

    • Despite their strong team, victory is not a sure thing.