sure
sho
Sure (adj) means Certain or confident about something. Example: “I'm sure she left already.”
adj
1
Certain or confident about something.
"I'm sure she left already."
"Are you sure this is the right address?"
"I'm not sure which bus goes to the hospital from here."
2
Reliable; certain to happen or work.
"It's a sure way to ruin your credit score."
"Regular practice is a sure way to improve your piano playing."
"With her experience, she is a sure bet to win the quiz."
intj
1
Used to say yes, or to agree casually.
""Can you help me move Saturday?" "Sure!""
How to use sure
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCertain, confident, or reliable — also used casually to mean "yes."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
make sure
sure thing
for sure
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Word forms
- Comparative
- surer, more sure
- Superlative
- surest, most sure
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I'm _____ she left already.
Etymology
From Old French seur, from Latin securus ("secure, carefree"), from se- ("apart") + cura ("care"). A doublet of secure.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for sure
See all rhymes for sure →Frequently asked questions
What does “sure” mean?
The word “sure” means certain or confident about something. In plain terms, certain, confident, or reliable — also used casually to mean "yes.".
How do you pronounce “sure”?
“Sure” is pronounced sho (/ʃʊɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sure” in a sentence?
Here is “sure” used in a sentence: “I'm sure she left already.”
What is another word for “sure”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sure” include OK and yes.
What part of speech is “sure”?
Depending on how it is used, “sure” can be an adjective and an intj.
Where does the word “sure” come from?
The word “sure” comes from Latin. From Old French seur, from Latin securus ("secure, carefree"), from se- ("apart") + cura ("care"). A doublet of secure.
Is “sure” a common word?
“Sure” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “sure” have?
“Sure” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: certain or confident about something.
What is the difference between sure and certain?
The two are very close and often interchangeable. 'Certain' tends to sound firmer and more formal, suggesting there is no doubt at all. 'Sure' is slightly more casual and can express personal confidence as well as fact. You might say 'I'm sure' in conversation and 'it is certain' in careful writing.
Is 'sure' formal or informal?
'Sure' works in both registers, but it leans informal, especially as a reply meaning 'yes' or 'of course.' In academic or careful writing, 'certain,' 'confident,' or 'convinced' often sound more polished. In everyday speech, 'sure' is perfectly natural and among the most common ways to express confidence.
What is the opposite of sure?
The opposite is 'unsure,' meaning doubtful or uncertain. Other antonyms include 'uncertain,' 'doubtful,' and 'hesitant.' Someone who is unsure lacks confidence or clear knowledge about something, while a sure person feels confident that they are right or that something will happen as expected.
What does it mean to be 'sure of yourself'?
To be sure of yourself means to feel confident in your own abilities, decisions, or judgment. It describes self-assurance and a lack of hesitation. Used positively it suggests healthy confidence, though in excess it can tip into seeming arrogant or overly certain of being right.
Example sentences
Real-world examples showing sure in context, drawn from published sources. Any opinions expressed are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.
Be sure to not second-guess your work after you've done it well.
From
Times of India · Jul 25, 2026
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