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sure

sure

1.0
A person or thing you can rely on
  • adjective
  • /ʃʊr/
translation icon : fiable
  • The guide always checks the equipment to be sure everything is reliable before the trip.

Examples

  • I just want to make sure it gets to me as soon as possible.

  • Their father had gone ahead in his own car to be sure everything was all right.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • I will be sure to pass that on.

  • Whatever rights you do agree to sell, be sure it is stated in writing.

    Academic text (1995)
  • I'm so sorry, but I really have to make sure this gets through.

  • Particularly for elementary children, be sure to look for a student section at the presidential library websites.

    Academic text (2015)
  • As hostess, I expect you to make sure every guest has a good time.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • But whenever possible, it's best to do updates over connections you're sure are secure rather than using public WiFi.

    Academic text (2015)
  • You want to be sure the linkages are still functioning correctly before he's turned over to his American operator.

  • To keep her child safe during the hike, she made sure to pack enough water and snacks.

Synonyms

safe
vssure
1.0

Not likely to be harmed or in danger

stresses being dependable and steady rather than only physical protection
stable
vssure
473 2.3

Not likely to change and stays steady over time

leans more toward trust and safety rather than just lack of change
reliable
vssure
358 2.7

Able to be trusted to do what is expected

emphasizes safety and stability rather than only repeatable quality
dependable
vssure
47 2.3

A person or thing you can trust to do what they promise

focuses more on steady safety and stability than only consistent performance
rock solid
vssure
  • Informal
27 3.6

Very strong and not likely to fail or be wrong

is steady and trustworthy but less extreme in certainty
trusted
vssure
3 1.4

A person or group people rely on because they are honest

refers to steady safety and real trustworthiness rather than reputation alone
fail-safe
vssure
  • Specialized
3 5.6

Designed to work safely if something goes wrong

describes steady trust and safety generally, not engineered backup systems

Antonyms

80 4.4

Not steady and likely to change, fail, or fall

71 4.1

Not able to be trusted to work or be right

Idioms

for sure
  • Informal
700 2.0

Without any doubt

104 4.9

Admitting something is true before you say something else

58 2.7

Shows that something happens exactly as expected

sure as shit
  • Offensive
5 9.9

You can be certain it is true

sure as shooting
  • Informal
1 8.2

Completely certain that something will happen

sure as sugar
  • Informal
1 8.8

Certain to happen without any doubt

absotively sure
  • Informal
9.8

Completely certain that something is true

sure as eggs
  • Archaic
9.9

Says that something will definitely happen or is true

9.1

Certain to happen

Compounds

77 2.4

Something that is certain to happen or succeed

8 4.4

Certain to work and bring success

sure-enough
  • Informal
1 8.1

Clearly real and not fake to show you really mean it

positutely sure
  • Informal
9.8

Completely certain that something is true

A one-time payment from the UK government to help with baby costs for parents who meet certain rules

How Reliable

rock solid
  • Informal
27 3.6
dependable
47 2.3
sure
1.0
unreliable
71 4.1
questionable
176 3.9

Surface Forms

sure positive
surer comparative
surest superlative

Etymology

Sure shares its root with the common word secure and comes from Latin securus 'without care', so a 'sure' person or thing makes you feel safe and steady, which is why sure can mean 'reliable'.