surely

adverb sure·ly \ ˈshu̇r-lē , ˈshər- , especially Southern ˈshȯr- \

|Updated on: 3 Aug 2018

Usage guide: sure vs. surely

Examples: surely in a Sentence

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 surely defined for English-language learners

See surely defined for kids

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.

Recent Examples of surely from the Web

Rico would arrive with a significant level of culture and technical pedigree which would surely establish the Spaniard as first choice next term, should Bournemouth complete a deal with Leganes.

— SI.com, "Bournemouth Switch Attention to Leganes Full Back as Cherries Baulk at Kieran Tierney Asking Price," 13 July 2018
Abloh, who was recently named artistic director of Louis Vuitton, surely lent some of his designer edge to the stylish compositions.

— kat bein, Billboard, "Boys Noize & Virgil Abloh Drop 3-Track Industrial 'Orvnge' EP: Listen," 13 July 2018
Trying to absorb Martin’s long, free-associative list of her beliefs while also looking at her paintings would surely defeat the mental clarity that Martin sought to achieve in making her art.

— edith newhall, Philly.com, "In Philly galleries now: Bergstrom bags, a subtle modern master, Fleisher/Ollman's 'Party'," 12 July 2018
So that means not to expect to see a marquee venture capital firm behind a new marketplace to organize the adderall industry, even if there is surely a better way to connect dealers and buyers.

— theodore schleifer, Recode, "What’s so wrong with Silicon Valley investing in sin?," 9 July 2018
Yet another royal tradition that will surely be continued for baby Prince Louis is that he'll be blessed with water from the river Jordan, which is where John the Baptist baptized Jesus himself.

— elizabeth angell, Town & Country, "Prince Louis's Christening Dress Has a Fascinating History," 9 July 2018
Still, surely something else will catch the same lighting in a bottle—or Blitzle in a Pokéball—that Niantic has.

— brian barrett, WIRED, "The Quiet, Steady Dominance of Pokémon Go," 6 July 2018
Though Camilla may never get to that level, her worth as Queen Consort will surely skyrocket once the transfer of power is complete.

— kayla keegan, Good Housekeeping, "How Camilla Parker Bowles Gained a Large Net Worth Even Before Marrying Prince Charles," 6 July 2018
But if Croatia, a country of 4m people, wins the cup its use will surely be justified.

— The Economist, "Croatia stands on the cusp of World Cup victory," 13 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'surely.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.