surely

sure·ly

adverb \ˈshu̇r-lē, especially Southern ˈshȯr-\

Definition of SURELY

1

: in a sure manner:

a archaic : without danger or risk of injury or loss : safely

b (1) : with assurance : confidently <answered quickly and surely> (2) : without doubt : certainly <they will surely be heard from in the future — R. J. Lifton>

2

: indeed, really —often used as an intensive <you surely don't believe that>

See Usage Discussion at ²sure

Examples of SURELY

1. She answered quickly and surely.
2. He will surely be missed.
3. This is surely the best dessert you have ever made.
4. Surely you must admit that it was a good decision.

First Known Use of SURELY

14th century

Related to SURELY

Synonyms

all right, alright, assuredly, certainly, clearly, definitely, doubtless, easily, forsooth, hands down, inarguably, incontestably, incontrovertibly, indisputably, plainly, really, so, sure, indeed, truly, unarguably, undeniably, undoubtedly, unquestionably

Related Words

conceivably, likely, perhaps, possibly, probably; obviously, unmistakably

Rhymes with SURELY

poorly, purely