sure

[[t]ʃʊ͟ə(r)[/t]]

♦

surer, surest

1) ADJ-GRADED: v-link ADJ, ADJ that, ADJ wh, ADJ about/of n If you are sure that something is true, you are certain that it is true. If you are not sure about something, you do not know for certain what the true situation is.

He'd never been in a class before and he was not even sure that he should have been teaching...

The president has never been sure which direction he wanted to go in on this issue...

She was no longer sure how she felt about him...

It is impossible to be sure about the value of land.

Syn:

certain

Ant:

doubtful

2) ADJ: v-link ADJ of -ing/n If someone is sure of getting something, they will definitely get it or they think they will definitely get it.

A lot of people think that it's better to pay for their education so that they can be sure of getting quality...

It is the self-assurance of the new generation which makes them sure of their success.

3) PHR-MODAL (emphasis) If you say that something is sure to happen, you are emphasizing your belief that it will happen.

With over 80 beaches to choose from, you are sure to find a place to lay your towel...

Anyone who goes food shopping without a list is sure to forget the things they really need.

Syn:

be bound to

4) ADJ-GRADED: ADJ n (emphasis) Sure is used to emphasize that something such as a sign or ability is reliable or accurate.

Sharpe's leg and shoulder began to ache, a sure sign of rain...

She has a sure grasp of social issues such as literacy, poverty and child care.

Derived words:

sureness N-UNCOUNT

New to the job, he was keen to demonstrate his sureness of mind.

5) ADJ-GRADED: v-link ADJ, ADJ to-inf, ADJ that (emphasis) If you tell someone to be sure to do something, you mean that they must not forget to do it.

Be sure to read about how mozzarella is made, on page 65...

Be sure you get your daily quota of calcium and daily vitamins.

6) CONVENTION (formulae) Sure is an informal way of saying `yes' or `all right'.

`He rang you?' - `Sure. Last night.'...

`I'd like to be alone, O.K?' - `Sure. O.K.'...

`We'll phone and you can make an appointment' - `Sure. What time do you want to go?'

7) ADV: ADV before v (emphasis) You can use sure in order to emphasize what you are saying. [INFORMAL]

`Has the whole world just gone crazy?' - `Sure looks that way, doesn't it.'...

It sure is hot, he thought.

Syn:

certainly

8) PHRASE: PHR with cl (not last in cl) You say sure enough, especially when telling a story, to confirm that something was really true or was actually happening.

We found the English treacle pudding too good to resist. Sure enough, it was delicious...

I was in a shop when I saw a lady looking carefully at me. She'd recognised me, and sure enough, she came across.

9) PHRASE: PHR with cl (not first in cl) If you say that something is for sure or that you know it for sure, you mean that it is definitely true.

One thing's for sure, Astbury's vocal style hasn't changed much over the years...

Even to this day we don't know what happened for sure.

Syn:

for certain

10) PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR that If you make sure that something is done, you take action so that it is done.

Make sure that you follow the instructions carefully...

He wants to make sure that schools are committed to providing alternative education.

Syn:

check

11) PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR that If you make sure that something is the way that you want or expect it to be, you check that it is that way.

He looked in the bathroom to make sure that he was alone...

Before you cut the cloth, make sure that the pattern matches up on both edges.

Syn:

make certain, check

12) PHRASE If you say that something is a sure thing, you mean that you are certain that it will happen or be successful. [INFORMAL]

This proposal is by no means a sure thing.

13) CONVENTION You say `sure thing' to show that you agree with someone or will do as they say. [mainly AM, SPOKEN]

`Be careful!' - `Sure thing, Dad. So long.'

14) PHRASE: PHR with cl You use to be sure when you are admitting that something is true, although it seems to contradict a more general statement that you are making.

Parents make the rules. To be sure, many of the rules are no longer appropriate today.

Syn:

of course

15) PHRASE: v-link PHR If you are sure of yourself, you are very confident about your own abilities or opinions.

I'd never seen him like this, so sure of himself, so in command.