sure
Definitions
Confident that something is true or will happen; having no doubt.
确信的；有把握的
Reliable; certain to happen or to be effective.
可靠的；必定的
Certainly; yes (informal).
当然；的确（非正式）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedsure comes straight from Latin sēcūrus ('free from care, safe') through Old French. The meaning slid from 'safe' to 'certain': if a thing is safe and dependable, you can be sure of it. That's why a 'sure thing' is something so reliable you stop worrying about it, and 'make sure' means 'remove all doubt.'
Root sur still carries 9 more wordsUsage Guide
- be sure of/about (state): I'm sure of the date — express confidence in a fact
- be sure to do (instruction): Be sure to call me — a reminder, almost an imperative
- make sure (that) (action): Make sure the gas is off — take steps to remove doubt
- for sure (informal): I'll be there for sure — definitely
- sure as an adverb is informal/AmE: 'Sure, I'll come' or 'It sure is hot' — in formal writing prefer 'certainly' or 'surely.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
I'm not sure whether the shop is open on Sundays.
- 2.
Make sure you lock the door before you leave.
- 3.
She gave the answer with a calm, sure voice.
- 4.
"Can you help me?" "Sure, no problem."
Easily Confused
sure vs certain — Both mean 'having no doubt,' but sure is more personal and informal ('I'm sure he'll come'), while certain is firmer and more objective ('It is certain to rain' / 'a certain outcome'). Use certain for facts and formal contexts; sure for everyday confidence.