English Dictionary
Definition sure in British English
sure
adjective
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
adjective
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
Ways of indicating that you feel sure about something
the most usual way of saying that you are sure about something
a stronger, more emphatic way of expressing certainty
used for expressing certainty that something will happen, based on a strong feeling rather than on facts
used informally to show that you are confident about the truth of what you are saying
a more formal way of expressing certainty about what someone is thinking or feeling, often used by people in authority
a way of expressing certainty about the facts of a situation, often used in official situations
Examples:
I’m sure she won’t forget – she’s very reliable.
I’m positive I had the keys with me when I left. ♦ We’re certain we made the right decision. ♦ I know for a fact that he lied to me about the party.
You’re going to enjoy the show – I just know you are.
You will no doubt be relieved to hear that the management has agreed to your request.
Having examined the evidence, we are satisfied that safety regulations were not broken.
Ways of indicating that you are not sure about something
used when you are not completely certain about something
an informal way of saying that you are not certain about something
a more formal way of saying that you are not certain about something
used for saying what you think is true, though you cannot be certain because you do not know all of the facts
used for saying that it is impossible for anyone to be certain about something
Examples:
I think that’s what he said, but I can’t be certain. It was very noisy.
‘Do you think it will rain?’ ‘Maybe. We usually get lots of rain at this time of year.’
I wondered if perhaps he’d forgotten to confirm the booking.
As far as I know, he’s coming. But I haven’t spoken to him for weeks.
There’s no telling what she will do next. She’s so unpredictable.
'I'll take the blue one.' 'Are you sure?'
used about something that is definite and cannot be questioned or doubted
