# sure

/ˈʃʊɹ/ (US) · /ʃˈɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sure
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. reliable or steady

adjective · CEFR B2

reliable and not likely to fail.

For teachers: physically secure, reliable, or unfailing in performance.

- The mountain climber had a sure grip on the rocky ledge.
- The surgeon operated with a sure hand, demonstrating the precision that comes from decades of clinical experience.

### 3. certainly

adverb · CEFR B1 · Informal · American English

used to emphasize that something is definitely true.

For teachers: used as an intensifier to express certainty or emphasis.

- It sure is hot outside today.
- While the results were unexpected, they sure provided the research team with plenty of data to analyze over the winter.

### 4. yes or of course

interjection · CEFR A1 · Informal

a way to say yes or agree to a request.

For teachers: used to express agreement, consent, or a positive response to a request.

- "Can I borrow your pen?" "Sure, here you go."
- "Would you be willing to review the draft before the meeting?" "Sure, just send it over whenever you are ready."

### 5. you're welcome

interjection · CEFR A2 · Informal · American English

a polite way to answer when someone says thank you.

For teachers: used as a phatic response to an expression of gratitude.

- "Thanks for the ride home." "Sure, no problem at all."
- "I really appreciate you helping me move those boxes." "Sure, I was happy to help."

## Examples

- I am sure that I locked the front door.
- The manager is sure that the new product will be a success based on early sales figures.
- While the evidence was largely circumstantial, the lead investigator remained sure of the suspect's involvement, citing a series of unexplained inconsistencies in the original alibi.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.