Definition of surely
1 : in a sure manner:a archaic : without danger or risk of injury or loss : safelyb (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
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sure vs. surely
Most commentators consider the adverb sure to be something less than completely standard; surely is usually recommended as a substitute. Our current evidence shows, however, that sure and surely have become differentiated in use. Sure is used in much more informal contexts than surely. It is used as a simple intensive I can never know how much I bored her, but, be certain, she sure amused me — Norman Mailer and, because it connotes strong affirmation, it is used when the speaker or writer expects to be agreed with. it's a moot point whether politicians are less venal than in Twain's day. But they're sure as the devil more intrusive — Alan Abelson he sure gets them to play — D. S. Looney Surely, like sure, is used as a simple intensive I surely don't want to leave the impression that I had an unhappy childhood — E. C. Welsh but it occurs in more formal contexts than sure. Unlike sure it may be used neutrally—the reader or hearer may or may not agree it would surely be possible, within a few years, to program a computer to construct a grammar — Noam Chomsky and it is often used when the writer is trying to persuade. surely a book on the avant-garde cannot be so conventional — Karl Shapiro
Examples of surely in a Sentence
She answered quickly and surely.
He will surely be missed.
This is surely the best dessert you have ever made.
Surely you must admit that it was a good decision.
First Known Use of surely
14th century
SURELY Defined for English Language Learners
surely
playDefinition of surely for English Language Learners
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: in a confident way
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: without a doubt
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—used in negative statements to show surprise that something could be true
SURELY Defined for Kids
surely
playDefinition of surely for Students
1 : without doubt It's a book you will surely enjoy.
2 : beyond question : really I surely do miss them.
3 : with confidence : confidently He answered their questions surely.
Learn More about surely
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See words that rhyme with surely Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for surely Spanish Central: Translation of surely Nglish: Translation of surely for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of surely for Arabic speakers
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