Skip to main content
for sure

for sure

700 2.0
Without any doubt
  • idiom
  • Informal
translation icon : sin duda
  • And we can't always say for sure what's going on with them.
  • know for sure
  • say for sure
  • one thing for sure

I'm not I, I don't know for sure about Travis.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • Make no mistake about it: the choice for sure is between two visions of the world.

    Academic text (2003)
  • But I don't know for sure what will happen now.

  • And only then will we know for sure whether the strategy is useful.

    Academic text (1991)
  • No one knows for sure whether the cause was water levels or another factor.

    Academic text (2011)
  • One of the ways we know for sure that it's fiction is when animals or insects talk.

    Academic text (2012)
  • I think that's the simple answer, but for sure it's not easy.

  • Well, he married up, that's for sure.

  • But one thing I know for sure, that little girl now has the entire city rootin' for her.

  • It's a shock for sure, but I don't have any hard feelings.

  • I will be there at 3 PM for sure, so don't worry about me being late.

Synonyms

certainly
vsfor sure
1.0

Showing that something is true or will happen without any doubt

is the informal spoken choice to say the same certainty
absolutely
vsfor sure
1.0

Completely and without any doubt

is the casual spoken form that conveys simple certainty
definitely
vsfor sure
1.0

To say that something is true without any doubt

is the more conversational way to state that decision
sure
vsfor sure
  • Informal
1.0

To say certainly or definitely

is the common two-word informal expression to convey certainty
surely
vsfor sure
1.0

Without any doubt

is the relaxed everyday way to express that confidence
undoubtedly
vsfor sure
156 3.5

Without any doubt

is the informal spoken form of the same firm affirmation
for certain
vsfor sure
104 1.3

To be completely sure and have no doubt

is the more casual spoken variant of that direct statement
undeniably
vsfor sure
29 4.4

In a clear way that leaves no doubt

is the simpler spoken way to express that undeniability
unquestionably
vsfor sure
26 3.7

Without any doubt

is the casual spoken way to express that lack of doubt
doubtless
vsfor sure
24 3.7

In a way that is certain

is the modern everyday way to say the same idea
assuredly
vsfor sure
19 4.7

Without any doubt and with confidence

is the informal phrasing that conveys confidence more simply
without doubt
vsfor sure
7 2.3

Says that something is certainly true

is the conversational way to add that emphasis
indubitably
vsfor sure
  • Formal
3 8.6

Clearly and without doubt

is the plain spoken alternative used in everyday talk
doubtlessly
vsfor sure
3 4.6

In a way that shows there is no doubt

is the everyday phrase used to make that declaration
inarguably
vsfor sure
3 6.8

Clearly true and cannot be denied

is the everyday spoken expression of that same position
unarguably
vsfor sure
1 6.1

It is clearly true and cannot be doubted

is the informal spoken way to make that uncompromising claim
sure as shooting
vsfor sure
  • Informal
1 8.2

Completely certain that something will happen

is the straightforward casual expression without the idiom
undisputedly
vsfor sure
1 5.8

Clearly and without any doubt

is the colloquial phrase used when people accept the fact
sure as the world
vsfor sure
  • Informal
9.1

Certain to happen

is the simple conversational way to guarantee the same idea

How Certain

definitely
1.0
certainly
1.0
for sure
  • Informal
700 2.0
probably
1.0
maybe
1.0

Surface Forms

for sure positive

Morphology

for + sure

The meaning 'without any doubt' is directly derivable from 'sure' (certain) with 'for' functioning as a common prepositional/colloquial marker that forms an adverbial phrase; a B1 learner who knows 'sure' will readily infer 'for sure' = certainly. This composition follows a straightforward English pattern (preposition/adverbial marker + adjective → adverbial sense) and has clear cross-linguistic parallels, so it is transparent.

Etymology

For sure may come from people shortening the older phrase 'for certain' into a quick reply, using for + sure to show something was certain. That's why when someone says for sure today they mean 'without any doubt' or 'definitely'.