sure

Having no doubt about what you believe or about what will happen.

• Are you sure?
• She was sure that her answer was correct.
• This story is sure to make you laugh.

How to use it: sure that… (I am sure that she will come.); sure about/of something (Are you sure about the address?); sure to + verb (The news is sure to surprise him.)

Similar words: certain, convinced

Opposites: unsure, uncertain

Common phrases: sure about something, sure of something, sure to win

Reliable, safe, or unlikely to fail.

• Keep a sure grip on the rope.
• Her sure hands guided the needle.
• Victory seemed a sure thing.

Similar words: reliable, secure, steady

Opposites: unreliable

Common phrases: sure footing, sure grip, sure thing

Used to say something is certainly true, often with strong feeling.

• It sure is cold today.
• She sure knows how to cook.
• They sure worked hard on that garden.

Similar words: certainly, definitely

Common phrases: sure does, sure is, sure looks good

Used to agree readily to a request or say yes.

• “Can I sit here?” “Sure!”
• “Will you help me?” “Sure, give me a moment.”
• “Could we borrow your ladder?” “Sure thing!”

Similar words: yes, of course, certainly

Opposites: no

Common phrases: sure thing, sure go ahead

Used to say yes without much interest or strong agreement.

• “Was it good?” “Sure, I guess.”
• “Want to come?” “Sure, why not?”
• “You agree, then?” “Sure, if you say so.”

Similar words: I guess so, I suppose so

Common phrases: sure i guess, sure why not