sure
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.reliable and not likely to fail.
adj.physically secure, reliable, or unfailing in performance.
Simple“The mountain climber had a sure grip on the rocky ledge.”
In context“The surgeon operated with a sure hand, demonstrating the precision that comes from decades of clinical experience.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
adv.used to emphasize that something is definitely true.
adv.used as an intensifier to express certainty or emphasis.
Simple“It sure is hot outside today.”
In context“While the results were unexpected, they sure provided the research team with plenty of data to analyze over the winter.”
Synonyms - 03 A1 Beginner
interj.a way to say yes or agree to a request.
interj.used to express agreement, consent, or a positive response to a request.
Simple“"Can I borrow your pen?" "Sure, here you go."”
In context“"Would you be willing to review the draft before the meeting?" "Sure, just send it over whenever you are ready."”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 A2 Elementary
interj.a polite way to answer when someone says thank you.
interj.used as a phatic response to an expression of gratitude.
Simple“"Thanks for the ride home." "Sure, no problem at all."”
In context“"I really appreciate you helping me move those boxes." "Sure, I was happy to help."”
Synonymsno problemyou're welcome
Usage sure to read
From Middle English sure, seur, sur, from Middle French sur or Old French seür, from Latin sēcūrus (“secure”, literally “carefree”), from sē- (“apart”) + cūra (“care”) (compare Old English orsorg (“carefree”), from or- (“without”) + sorg (“care”)). See cure. Doublet of secure and the now obsolete or dialectal sicker (“certain, safe”). Displaced native Middle English wis, iwis (“certain, sure”) (from Old English ġewis, ġewiss (“certain, sure”)), as well as Middle English siker (“sure, secure”) (from Old English sicor (“secure, sure”)) with which it was cognate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.