sure

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   definitely or positively (`sure' is sometimes used informally for `surely')

   the results are surely encouraging

2. 2
   adj

   impossible to doubt or dispute

   indisputable (or sure) proof

3. 3
   adj

   having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty

   confident and assured

4. 4
   adj

   physically secure or dependable

   a sure footing

5. 5
   adj

   certain not to fail

   a sure hand on the throttle

6. 6
   adj

   infallible or unfailing

   a sure (or true) sign of one's commitment

7. 7
   adj

   (of persons) worthy of trust or confidence

   a sure (or trusted) friend

8. 8
   adj

   Physically secure and certain, non-failing, reliable.

   This investment is a sure thing.

Etymology

From Middle English sure, seur, sur, from Middle French sur or Old French seür, from Latin sēcūrus (“secure”, literally “carefree”), from sē- (“apart”) + cūra (“care”) (compare Old English orsorg (“carefree”), from or- (“without”) + sorg (“care”)). See cure. Doublet of secure and the now obsolete or dialectal sicker (“certain, safe”). Displaced native Middle English wis, iwis (“certain, sure”) (from Old English ġewis, ġewiss (“certain, sure”)), as well as Middle English siker (“sure, secure”) (from Old English sicor (“secure, sure”)) with which it was cognate.