surely

adverb

sure·​ly ˈshu̇r-lē 

ˈshər-,

 especially Southern  ˈshȯr-

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

Sure vs. Surely: Usage Guide

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

Synonyms

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

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 on the Web

To anyone who can’t or won’t eat anything predicated on the existence of a cow, risotto should surely be off limits. —Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024

After the Bears nearly stunned the Vikings in Week 12, scoring 11 points in the final 22 seconds to force overtime, the Vikings should surely be prepared to avoid a disastrous loss. —Austin Mock, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024

In fact, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports that Houston could trade for Nolan Arenado—another third baseman—which would surely close the door on a potential Bregman return. —Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Here are a few ideas for quick travel options to go to places that will surely be covered in beautiful, magical snow this winter. —Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing surely

• slowly but surely

Kids Definition

surely

adverb

sure·​ly ˈshu̇(ə)r-lē 

1

a

: with confidence

answered quickly and surely

b

: without doubt : certainly

they will surely be heard from again

2

: beyond question : truly

I surely am tired this afternoon