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单词 sure
释义

sureadj.adv.int.

Brit. /ʃʊə/, /ʃɔː/, U.S. /ʃʊ(ə)r/, /ʃər/, /ʃɔr/
Forms: Middle English scewre, Middle English ser (north-west midlands, in a late copy), Middle English sere (north-west midlands), Middle English seuere, Middle English seuir, Middle English sever, Middle English severe, Middle English sevir, Middle English sewere, Middle English sewir, Middle English sewyr, Middle English sor, Middle English sore, Middle English sour, Middle English soure, Middle English suir, Middle English suyre, Middle English swr, Middle English swre, Middle English swyr, Middle English–1500s seur, Middle English–1500s seure, Middle English–1500s sewer, Middle English–1500s sewr, Middle English–1500s sewre, Middle English–1500s sur, Middle English–1500s suyr, Middle English–1500s swer, Middle English–1600s suer, Middle English–1600s suere, Middle English– sure, 1500s shor, 1500s showr, 1500s shuer, 1500s siur, 1500s suar, 1500s syuer, 1500s– shure (now nonstandard), 1600s sheure, 1800s shaw (nonstandard), 1900s– shore (nonstandard, U.S.); English regional 1600s– zure (chiefly south-western), 1700s–1800s shoor (south-western), 1700s– seer (Cumberland), 1800s seur (Yorkshire), 1800s shore (Devon), 1800s– sear (Yorkshire), 1800s– seear (Yorkshire), 1800s– seure (Yorkshire), 1800s– sewer (northern andmidlands), 1800s– sheua (Leicestershire), 1800s– shure (Cumberland), 1800s– suar (Yorkshire), 1800s– suer (Cumberland); Scottish pre-1700 schoir, pre-1700 schore, pre-1700 schour, pre-1700 schoure, pre-1700 schur, pre-1700 scwr, pre-1700 seuer, pre-1700 seuir, pre-1700 sever, pre-1700 seweir, pre-1700 sewer, pre-1700 sewir, pre-1700 sewr, pre-1700 sheure, pre-1700 shoor, pre-1700 shore, pre-1700 shower, pre-1700 shur, pre-1700 soor, pre-1700 soore, pre-1700 sour, pre-1700 soure, pre-1700 sowr, pre-1700 suare, pre-1700 suer, pre-1700 suuer, pre-1700 suyer, pre-1700 suyr, pre-1700 suyre, pre-1700 swir, pre-1700 swire, pre-1700 swr, pre-1700 swre, pre-1700 swuer, pre-1700 1700s shour, pre-1700 1700s– shure, pre-1700 1700s– sure, pre-1700 (1800s Orkney) seur, pre-1700 (1800s Orkney) sur, pre-1700 1800s– suir, pre-1700 1900s (Orkney)– seure, pre-1700 1900s– suire, 1700s sair, 1700s sear, 1700s shier, 1700s sire, 1700s–1800s seer, 1800s seir, 1800s sheer, 1800s sheere, 1800s– sere, 1800s– share, 1800s– shör (Shetland), 1900s– shaer, 1900s– shair, 1900s– shaire, 1900s– shuir; Irish English 1600s– shure, 1800s– shair ((northern)), 1900s– sha, 1900s– shuir ((northern)).
Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French sur.
Etymology: < Anglo-Norman sur, seor, sour, Anglo-Norman and Middle French seur safe, secure (c1100 in Old French), having no doubt or mistrust, confident, certain, indubitable, trustworthy, reliable (all 12th cent.; French sûr ) < classical Latin sēcūrus secure adj. Compare the Romance forms listed at secure adj. Compare earlier sicker adj. and also sover adj.The initial /ʃ/ developed in the 16th cent.; compare discussion in E. J. Dobson Eng. Pronunc. 1500–1700 (ed. 2, 1968) II. §185 (iii.) and §388.
A. adj.
I. Senses relating to safety or security.
†1.
a. Of a person or thing: safe from or not exposed to danger or risk; not liable to be harmed or injured. Also with of, from, specifying the danger or risk. Obsolete.See also safe and sure at safe adj. Phrases 4.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > safe or secure
sickerc897
safec1325
surec1330
safea1393
sover1396
traistya1400
exempta1420
undangeredc1460
surec1475
cocksurea1529
sound1535
jeopardless1549
dangerless?1555
secure1572
secure1576
defensible1581
unobnoxious?1609
unendangereda1658
rug1705
anchored1878
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 7785 Now þe childer..Weren passed þe forest Toward Arundel souþe-west And wenden ben alle soure and siker.
?c1425 (c1412) T. Hoccleve De Regimine Principum (Royal 17 D.vi) (1860) 3 What sikirnesse is that, To live ay seure of greef and of noisaunce?
c1450 (c1350) Alexander & Dindimus (Bodl.) (1929) 9 (MED) No syte nor no sur stede soþli þei ne hadde.
a1475 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Vitell.) l. 949 He shal..Make the sur..ffrom al tempestys of the se.
a1500 tr. Thomas à Kempis De Imitatione Christi (Trin. Dublin) (1893) 14 (MED) There is no man all sure fro temptacions whiles he lyueþ.
a1500 (a1450) Generides (Trin. Cambr.) l. 4605 (MED) Owt of ther enmys handes they were sure.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid vii. xii. 114 For defens, to kepe thair hedis suyr, A ȝallo hat [they] woyr of a wolfis skyn.
1568 V. Skinner in tr. R. González de Montes Discouery Inquisition of Spayne To Rdr. sig. A.ijv If we..thinke our selues sure and the storme passed.
1573 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xxxix. 165 Sa Grange beleuit the madin Castell suir.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iii. iii. 39 Doores..must be imploy'd Now to guard sure their Master. View more context for this quotation
1648 T. Gage Eng.-Amer. xi. 38 The Mexicans also thought the same [place] to be sure with the trees which were crossed the way.
1652 R. Codrington tr. Q. Curtius Rufus Life & Death Alexander vi. 153 Make you self sure from your foes at home, so shall ye have lesse need to fear your enemies abroad.
b. With of. Free from a specified bad quality. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > non-possession > [adjective] > devoid of something > a quality > some fault or defect
voidc1374
sure?1440
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) xi. l. 294 Wherof..so maad is the nature, Of bitternesse or salt that hit is sure.
c. Of a course of action: not attended by risk of failure, prudent. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > safe or not dangerous > safe or free from risk
sure?1473
safe?1545
dangerless?1555
canny1592
peril-lessa1618
secure1617
unperilous1621
unhazardous1683
riskless1822
no-risk1932
?1473 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Recuyell Hist. Troye (1894) I. lf. 25v Hit auaylleth more to a man, and is to hym more sure [Fr. luy est plus seure chose] to be maad kynge in his olde age than in his yougth.
a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 183 Hit Is more Sure to euery Prynce to comaunde His Pepill well willynge to hym, than ewill willynge.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxxviiiv [He] thought it more surer to heare the fayre wordes of the Constable,..then to geue credit to theyr vntrew..doynges.
1636 tr. J. Desmarets de Saint-Sorlin Ariana ii. ii. 211 Because it was not sure for them to stay so neare the port, the two vessels parted.
d. With from (also for) and present participle. Securely prevented from doing something specified; protected from having something undesirable done to one. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > [adjective] > sure to be or do > not
sure1484
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) cxvi. 155 The good wymmen drad and held them more sure [Fr. plus fermes et plus closes] fro doynge ony thynge, wherby they myght lese theyr worship and honoure.
1586 Stafford in Eng. Hist. Rev. (1913) Jan. 57 I would keep him there to undo himself, and sure enough from coming home to undo others.
1592 R. Greene Disput. Conny-catcher sig. B3v He had some twentie poundes about him, but hee had planted it so cunningly in his doublet, that it was sure inough for finding.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. viii. vii. 195 To cut his throat, so making him sure for telling tales.
1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts i. 458 I..will make thee sure enough from adding this leudnesse to thine other abominations.
a1644 W. Chillingworth Nine Serm. ii. 31 in Relig. of Protestants (1664) A thousand weights, to fasten him on the earth, to make him sure for ever ascending to God.
1774 J. Glover Mem. iv. 52 Having sold him for a slave, they thought themselves sure enough from ever bowing before him.
†2. Of a journey, passage, etc.: not dangerous, safe; spec. affording guaranteed immunity from arrest, capture, attack, etc. Frequently in sure passage, sure conduct (cf. safe passage at safe adj. 6c, safe conduct n.). Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1420 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. I. 69 (MED) The Erchebischop of Coleine..alwey schulde be redy to come to do ȝow seruise vp on hys owne cost, so that he myghte have sure passage.
1481 W. Caxton tr. Siege & Conqueste Jerusalem (1893) xviii. 48 He delyuerd to them good conduyte and sewr tyl they cam to constantynoble.
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Gouernaunce of Princis (1993) vii. 72 To bynd trewis and mak seure passagis to marchandis and trauaillouris.
1599–1600 T. Dallam Diary in Early Voy. Levant (1893) i. 90 I knew that in her [sc. the ship Hector] was a sur passidge.
1608 G. Chapman Conspiracie Duke of Byron i. ii. sig. C2 To leaue a sure pace on continuate earth, And force a gate in iumps, from towre to towre.
1660 H. Fletcher Perfect Politician 228 This Fleet..hoist up sail, bidding amain for the North of Scotland; it seems rather chusing to make a long and sure Voyage that way, then a short and dangerous one through St. George his chanel.
1765 W. Mildmay Laws & Policy Eng. Trade Introd. 7 Merchants, strangers, and aliens, as well as Denisens, should have their safe and sure conduct, to come in and tarry, and depart the kingdom.
3.
a. Of a state of being under guard or protection: affording security from theft, loss, escape, etc.; (also occasionally) providing defence against attack. Frequently in sure keeping (cf. safekeeping n.). Cf. safe adj. 6b. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > safe or secure > in secure custody or possession > secure (of keeping or custody)
sure1431
1431 in H. Nicolas Proc. & Ordinances Privy Council (1835) IV. 95 Ordeint for þe defense, seure and saufgarde of þe said land.
c1450 (c1425) Brut (Cambr. Kk.1.12) 359 Þe Duk brouȝt King Richard..to London, and put hym yn the Tour, vndir sure kepyng as a prisoner.
1539 in Abstr. Protocols Town Clerks Glasgow (1807) IV. 119 To put it [sc. 10s. yearly] in suyr kepyng.
1544 in J. Stuart Extracts Council Reg. Aberdeen (1844) I. 199 The consell ordanis thair chartour keyst..to be put in suir fermans for keping in secreit manir.
1572 J. Higgins Huloets Dict. (rev. ed.) (at cited word) To put ye prysoners or captiues in sure ward.
1683 Case Earl of Argyle 123 For preserving the remembrance of so odd a Transaction..some Memorials should be drawn, and deposited in sure keeping.
1771 G. Muir Parable Tares ii. ix. 218 It may allude to the sure ward, under which malefactors are put, to prevent their escape.
1861 H. G. Moke & A. Wilmere Belgian Episodes 30 Treated as a captive and kept under sure guard in one of the towers of the castle, he never for an instant thought of saving his life by unmanly concessions.
1870 Manch. Weekly Times 19 Feb. 3/5 What they asked for was that for the future he should be committed to sure custody, so that it might be impossible for him afterwards to inflict injuries upon anyone.
1919 I. C. Clarke Elstones i. 10 Had she not entrusted to their sure keeping the secret and delicious memories of those years.
1977 W. K. Muir Police (1979) iii. 202 It was an accepted part of the police code in Laconia that once a man was in sure custody, manhandling him was taboo.
b. Of a place or receptacle: affording protection or safety; secure. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > affording safety or security
fasteOE
safea1393
traista1400
sure1444
secure1579
1444 in J. Raine Testamenta Eboracensia (1855) II. 112 My wille is yat this standard wt these things above writen yerynne be put into some sure abbay.
?1473 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Recuyell Hist. Troye (1894) I. lf. 53v Acrisyus..was well eased that his doughter was in so seur a place.
1506 tr. Kalender of Shepherdes sig. H.ii Our shyppe may not enter into no sewer hauen.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 13 Þen suet þai with solas into a sure chamber.
1653 H. Cogan tr. F. M. Pinto Voy. & Adventures xliv. 172 The Chinese Necoda disembarqued all his commodities,..and put them into sure rooms.
1793 B. Edwards Hist. Brit. Colonies W. Indies I. ii. iii. 165 Some of those men..considered this island as a sure place of refuge.
1881 C. F. G. Cumming At Home in Fiji II. xviii. 32 Taviuni..lacks the perfect ring of coral which secures calm water and a sure harbour for most of its neighbours.
1900 H. S. Olcott Old Diary Leaves xi. 185 Others believe that this is really a substitute only, that the real tooth is concealed in a sure place.
1991 Times (Nexis) 27 May They apparently feared that the Dire Dawa air base would not be a sure haven... Ethiopia's air force command had ordered several of its aircraft to be moved to other bases and even other countries to escape certain destruction should they fall into rebel hands.
†4. Safe in one's possession or keeping; not liable to be lost or to escape; (hence) unable or unlikely to do harm or cause disturbance. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > safe or secure > in secure custody or possession
lockedOE
sure1462
firm1483
securea1616
1462 in T. Sharp Illustr. Hist. Holy Trinity Church, Coventry (1818) 41 (MED) To se þat..þe boks be lokkyd sure in þe vestre.
1472–3 Rolls of Parl.: Edward IV (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1472 1st Roll §47. m. 11 That the seid Sir Humfrey have and hold..the maner..sure from the said Johane and hir heires.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xiii. 311 See that he be kepte sure.
1590 Cobler of Caunterburie 20 Seeing the olde beldame was sure [i.e. soundly asleep], he began to reueale vnto hir how long hee had loued hir.
1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus ii. iii. 187 Farewell my sons, see that you make her sure . View more context for this quotation
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 v. iii. 48 I haue paid Percy, I haue made him sure . View more context for this quotation
1600 Let. 24 June in T. Stafford Pacata Hibernia (1633) i. viii. 58 And his sonnes bound very safe and sure.
1713 J. Addison Cato ii. 31 Make Cato sure, and give up Utica.
1718 Mem. Life J. Kettlewell ii. §55. 172 Upon pretence of making all Sure, and saving the King's Honour.
1789 H. Brooke Montezuma iv. iv, in Poems & Plays (ed. 2) III. 318 He is here. Surround and make him sure!
II. Senses relating primarily to reliability or stability.In several senses in this branch and in branch A. III., the notions of both reliability and certainty (or confidence) are present to a greater or lesser extent. Senses have been placed according to which notion was originally predominant, even if later development has obscured this.
5.
a. That can be depended or relied on; trustworthy, reliable. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > faithfulness or trustworthiness > [adjective]
soothfastc825
truefastOE
i-treowec1000
unfakenOE
trueOE
sickerc1100
trigc1175
strustya1250
steel to the (very) backa1300
true as steela1300
certainc1325
well-provedc1325
surec1330
traistc1330
tristc1330
trustya1350
faithfula1382
veryc1385
sada1387
discreet1387
trust1389
trothfulc1390
tristya1400
proveda1425
good-heartedc1425
well-trusted?a1439
tristfulc1440
authorizablea1475
faithworthy?1526
tentik1534
fidele1539
truthfulc1550
suresby1553
responsible1558
trestc1560
reliable1569
cocksurea1575
sound1581
trustful1582
truepenny1589
true (also good, sure) as touch1590
probable1596
confident1605
trustable1606
axiopistical1611
loyala1616
reposeful1627
confiding1645
fiducial1647
laudable1664
safe1667
accountable1683
serious1693
sponsible1721
dependable1730
unfailing1798
truthya1802
trustworthy1829
all right1841
stand-up1841
falsehood-free1850
right1856
proven1872
bankable1891
secure1954
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 7676 (MED) Þer sche him puruaid..an hundred kniȝtes..And fond hem armour and stede, Boþe soure and gode at nede.
c1475 in F. J. Furnivall Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 147 A fayre garlond of yve grene Whyche hangeth at a taverne dore, Hyt ys a false token.., But yf there be wyne gode and sewer.
a1500 (a1450) Generides (Trin. Cambr.) l. 4575 I wold..this hors were cherisshid wele, ffor he is sure and good.
1506 tr. Kalender of Shepherdes sig. H.ii We must haue .iii. suer maryners that may kepe our shyp fro the daunger of these .iii. rockes.
1596 J. Harington New Disc. Aiax sig. D8 Thou hadst a Iurie of sure free-holders, that gaue a verdit against them.
c1600 (c1350) Alisaunder (Greaves) (1929) 266 Þat citie wer sure men sett for too keepe.
1624 J. Smith Gen. Hist. Virginia iii. 73 The President..resolved with Captaine Waldo (whom he knew to be sure in time of need) to surprise Powhatan.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xi. 856 From out the Arke a Raven flies, And after him, the surer messenger, A Dove. View more context for this quotation
1704 Dict. Rusticum at Fox-hunting And for such as are first cast off, let them be old Stanch-hounds, which are sure.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. II. iii. iv. 171 Bouillé is at Metz, and could find forty-thousand sure Germans.
1846 A. Marsh Father Darcy II. i. 18 Did I not send this by a sure hand,..I would not venture to go thus far with you.
1883 R. L. Stevenson Treasure Island iii. xiii. 107 Loaded pistols were served out to all the sure men.
1904 P. B. Malone Winning his Way to West Point (1911) xiii. 222 If you will send to the point marked X on this map a number of your surest men, I will meet them there.
b. Of a person, his or her actions, abilities, etc.: steady, steadfast; unfaltering; (formerly also) †constant, faithful (obsolete). Also of grip, footing, etc.: stable, steady; firm.Sometimes with connotations of confidence or assurance; cf. sense A. 9.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > [adjective]
fasteOE
stathelfasteOE
anredOE
hardOE
starkOE
trueOE
steadfast993
fastredeOE
stithc1000
findyOE
stablea1275
stathelyc1275
stiffc1275
stablec1290
steel to the (very) backa1300
unbowinga1300
stably13..
firm1377
unmovablea1382
constantc1386
abidingc1400
toughc1400
sure1421
unmoblea1425
unfaintedc1425
unfaint1436
permanent?a1475
stalwartc1480
unbroken1513
immovable1534
inconcuss1542
unshaken1548
stout1569
unwavering1570
undiscourageable1571
fixed1574
discourageable1576
unappalled1578
resolute1579
unremoved1583
resolved1585
unflexiblea1586
unshakeda1586
square1589
unstooping1597
iron1598
rocky1601
steady1602
undeclinable1610
unboweda1616
unfainting1615
unswayed1615
staunch1624
undiscourageda1628
staid1631
unshook1633
blue?1636
true blue?1636
tenacious1640
uncomplying1643
yieldless1651
riveting1658
unshakened1659
inconquerable1660
unyielding1677
unbendinga1688
tight1690
unswerving1694
unfaltering1727
unsubmitting1730
undeviating1732
undrooping1736
impervertible1741
undamped1742
undyingc1765
sturdy1775
stiff as a poker1798
unfickle1802
indivertible1821
thick and thin1822
undisheartened1827
inconvertible1829
straightforward1829
indomitable1830
stickfast1831
unsuccumbing1833
unturnable1847
unswerved1849
undivertible1856
unforsaking1862
swerveless1863
steeve1870
rock-ribbed1884
stiff in the back1897
1421 in T. Rymer Fœdera (1710) X. 131 The Capteines..don wel her Diligence..in seur Kepinge of her Places.
?1473 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Recuyell Hist. Troye (1894) I. lf. 159 Their was none than so seure, but he was aferde.
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) lxxxii. 112 For the sure trouthe that euer she bare vnto her lord.
a1500 (a1471) G. Ashby Active Policy Prince l. 130 in Poems (1899) 17 Vertuos dedys & condutes seure.
?c1500 Conversion of St. Paul (Digby) l. 100 Your felow was not suer of foote.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. f. xv/2 Euery nyght the englisshe oste made good & sure watche for they doubted makyng of skryes.
c1610–15 tr. St. Ambrose Life St. Agnes in C. Horstmann Lives Women Saints (1886) 145 Treasures..which he hath promised me..if I will remayne sure to him.
1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. lxxxix. sig. Aav Sometimes a failing and returne, is a prompter to a surer hold.
1638 F. Junius Painting of Ancients 324 Such archers..as have the surest hand.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 100 He took a sure aim.
1743 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Odes (new ed.) I. iii. ii. 31 With sure steps,..Vengeance o'ertakes the trembling villain's speed.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xix. 276 His judgment was clearest and surest when responsibility pressed heaviest on him.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xi. 84 In order to get surer footing in the snow.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xxiii. 162 Found myself by no means so sure a climber as usual.
1908 Animal Managem. (War Office) 271 The animal [sc. mule] is a proverbially sure stepper.
1986 ARTnews Sept. 135/1 She is..a talented illustrational painter, efficiently setting her scenes without embellishment but with sure touch.
1992 Disabled & Supportive Carer Autumn–Winter 45/3 Offering true level access for both wheelchairs and pedestrians, the grilles provide a 74% contact area for a sure grip.
c. Of a pledge or promise: firm, not liable to be broken.
ΚΠ
c1450 C. d'Orleans Poems (1941) 21 (MED) In my side y make yow sewre promys In oon purpos that y me kepe trewly.
1533 J. More tr. F. Nausea Serm. Sacram. of Aulter sig. cv So to leue thys blessed sacrament of thaulter behynd hym as a sure pledge of hys great loue towarde vs.
1580 M. Outred tr. M. Cope Godly & Learned Expos. Prouerbes Solomon (xvii. 6) f. 350 What hee saieth, is spoken according to the former promises, the which are not sure and stedfast but vnto the faithful.
1622 Bp. J. Hall Contempl. VI. O.T. xvii. 150 If either his age, or the remorse of his old offence should haue set him off; yet she knew his oath was sure.
1696 N. Tate & N. Brady New Version Psalms of David xciii. 5 Thy Promise, Lord, is ever sure.
1761 M. Bridge Serm. Ordination Rev. E. Stone 19 This covenant is founded, not on the uncertain basis of man's free will, but on the ‘eternal purpose of God’..and may well be deemed everlasting and sure.
1846 Light from West Jan. 7 He hath made a sure vow and faithful promise, that he will make no graven image.
1920 J. A. Ryan & J. Husslein Church & Labor iii. ii. 171 The hearth-money of our forefathers was the sure pledge of their loyalty.
2011 N. Guthrie Promised One ix. 252 Joseph was confident that his suffering was purposeful and the promise of glory was sure.
6.
a. Of a state of mind: not likely to change; firmly fixed or set. Also of a person with respect to such a state of mind.Often with connotations of certainty; cf. sense A. 9.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > belief, trust, confidence > act of convincing, conviction > [adjective] > persuaded, convinced
surea1400
probate?1511
strong1526
satisfied1533
persuaded1538
convict1558
dogmatic1678
well-wrought1684
convinced1685
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > [adjective] > fixed, settled
to make it tautc1325
certain1393
assured1430
suredc1450
ascertaineda1513
ratified1533
testified1552
assecurit?1553
affirmed1568
settled1578
sure1582
fastened1596
secured1600
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 18712 (MED) He bad his disciplis..Ouer al þe world þe gospel preche..to vche creature For þei shulde in trouþe be sure.
c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 1089 For I dar say wyth conciens sure, Hade bodyly burne abiden þat bone [etc.].
1413 T. Hoccleve Balade Richard II l. 14 in Minor Poems (1970) i. 48 Seur confort haue I.
1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Buriall f. xxiiii*v In sure and certayne hope of resurreccion to eternall life.
1582 W. Allen Briefe Hist. Glorious Martyrdom sig. D6v He had a sure confidence that al should goe wel with him.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 287 Throw a certane suspicioune and suir opinioun.
1694 J. Kettlewell Compan. for Penitent 115 Enable me to keep up a sure hope of thy Promises.
1794 Devotional Offices Public Worship sig. P3 Grant, O Lord, that he may take this thy visitation patiently; give him comfort and sure confidence in thee.
1883 All Year Round 18 June 12/1 ‘I shall find it out if I stay here all my life,’ he muttered with..the doggedness of a sure resolve.
1909 Atlantic Monthly Jan. 9/1 In temporary defeat but in the sure faith of ultimate victory.
1994 W. C. Davis Govt. of our Own 1 Courage, patriotism, and a sure conviction that they were in the right.
b. Esp. of an inheritance, sum of money, etc.: that may be counted on to be received; certain to come into a person's possession. Frequently with to, specifying the person to whom the thing in question will come. Cf. sense A. 12b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > possessions > [adjective] > that may be counted on
sure1418
society > law > transfer of property > settlement of property > settle (property) [verb (transitive)] > settle property on
to make a statec1400
sure1418
establishc1460
infeft1462
vest1464
invest1534
estate1600
entitle1608
secure1615
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > [adjective]
strongeOE
fasteOE
sure1418
cocksure?a1534
in the bag1900
gold-plated1913
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > make sure, secure [verb (transitive)] > secure to someone
sure1418
ascertain1563
warrant1613
ensure1770
1418 in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 287 (MED) [Twenty pounds of] sure lyuelod yerly.
1467–8 Rolls of Parl.: Edward IV (Electronic ed.) Parl. June 1467 §8. m. 5 To be made sure ayenst us and oure heires.
a1475 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Godstow Nunnery (1905) i. 276 He willed and graunted hit to be sure for hym and his heires.
c1530 A. Barclay Egloges ii. sig. Kiv v Better..a small handfull, with rest and sure pleasance Than twenty dysshes, with wrathfull countenance.
1533 J. Gau tr. C. Pedersen Richt Vay 65 Sine is forgiffine to vsz quhen ve repent... His marcie is maid swuer to wsz.
1628 J. Mede Let. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1824) 1st Ser. III. 283 In Queen Elizabeths days, when nothing on earth was surer than Chequer pay.
1669 R. Montagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 436 If I thought this would be sure money.
1670 J. Ray Coll. Eng. Prov. 207 As sure as Check, or Exchequer pay.
1784 Parl. Reg. Ireland II. 118 The Hon. Gentleman had also looked upon the money due from collectors as if it was sure money, but he feared that he would in this find himself mistaken.
1820 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Aug. 510/2 The deep grave is gaping for thee—..reckoning on thee as on a sure inheritance.
1916 Bookman May 286/2 So many girls lose out in their very life's happiness by being frightened into a sure wage at the very start of their careers.
1993 Los Angeles Times 9 Sept. 6 The former airlines operation manager or the laid-off engineer, all attracted to public school teaching by the promise of a sure salary and benefits.
c. Of an abstract or immaterial thing: firmly established or settled; not liable to be destroyed or overthrown.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > safe or secure
sickerc897
safec1325
surec1330
safea1393
sover1396
traistya1400
exempta1420
undangeredc1460
surec1475
cocksurea1529
sound1535
jeopardless1549
dangerless?1555
secure1572
secure1576
defensible1581
unobnoxious?1609
unendangereda1658
rug1705
anchored1878
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > stability, fixity > [adjective]
truea1225
certain1297
standing1457
surec1475
stable1481
finite1493
resident1525
determinate1526
staid?1541
constantc1550
undiscomfitablea1555
inveterate1563
sound1565
unwanderinga1569
fixed1574
undisturbable1577
wishly1578
unremovable1579
inveterated1597
immoved1599
rigid1610
staple1621
consistent1648
irradicable1728
incoercible1756
hard and fast1822
unstrangulable1824
lockstep1831
statical1853
static1856
flatline1946
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > [adjective] > not destroyed > indestructible
unquenchablea1382
inextinguible1412
undestroyablea1420
surec1475
inextinguishable1509
undelible1534
unperishable1538
irrefragable1562
inconsumptible1579
inquenchable1583
undefaceable1587
irrefringible1596
insuppressible1610
irrazable1622
unextinguishable1656
imperdible1660
indissolvable1660
indestructible1674
unannihilable1678
undestructible1807
undemolishable1837
unobliteratable1872
uneliminable1876
the world > existence and causation > causation > initiating or causing to begin > [adjective] > founding or instituting > settled or established
rootfastlOE
stablec1290
institutec1325
sad1340
firmc1374
rooteda1393
stabledc1400
substantialc1449
well-foundeda1450
surec1475
standing1549
afloat1551
well-established1559
steadyc1571
naturalized1590
erected1603
established1642
instituted1647
settled1649
riveted1652
radicate1656
inrooted1660
institute1668
statuminated1674
planted1685
stablished1709
deep-seated1741
founded1771
set-up1856
the mind > mental capacity > belief > belief, trust, confidence > act of convincing, conviction > [adjective] > of belief, etc.: firm
strongeOE
surec1475
unshakeable1677
c1475 tr. C. de Pisan Livre du Corps de Policie (Cambr.) (1977) 125 (MED) By the well kepyng of that discipline, they goten the gret victories and sur estate of peas and tranquillite.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Chron. xviii. B I wyl make his seate sure for euer.
c1535 M. Nisbet New Test. in Scots (1901) I. 15 To mak thair vocatiounn suir be gud werkis.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xlj Yt eyther a suer peace, or els a long treuce may be taken.
1618 W. Whately New Birth v. 59 He hath an earnest penny that makes the bargain sure betwixt the Lord and his soule.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 131 Th' immortal Line in sure Succession reigns. View more context for this quotation
1746 J. Hervey Medit. among Tombs 63 A Decree, much surer than the Law of the Medes and Persians, has irrevocably determined the Doom.
1787 T. Jefferson Writings (1859) II. 206 I know of no mercantile house in France of surer bottom.
1867 W. Morris Life & Death of Jason i. 2 He may wish to make quite sure his throne By slaying me and mine.
1955 A. L. Rowse Expansion of Elizabethan Eng. iii. 110 To make his position sure, Shane drove out his father and contrived Matthew's murder.
2008 Z. Bauman Does Ethics have Chance in World of Consumers? v. 222 The Old Masters, whose reputation is sure, one would think, thanks to their venerable age.
7.
a. Of a material object: not liable to break or give way; firm, sound; fixed, immovable. Somewhat archaic in later use.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [adjective] > stable > firmly fixed
steadfast993
fastOE
rootfastlOE
sicker1297
sada1333
well-rooted1340
rooteda1393
surec1400
surefast1533
unremoved1551
fixed1577
implanted1595
firm1600
seateda1616
secure1675
tight1687
sitfast1837
locked1895
c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 588 Gurde wyth a bront ful sure.
1463 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 20 And the stoon werk be made sewr.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) xii. l. 1060 A courch..apon his handys thai laid And wndyr syn with seuir cordys thai braid.
a1500 (a1450) Generides (Trin. Cambr.) l. 2732 (MED) The helme was sure, or ellys he had hym slayn.
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xliiiv Make a good and a sure hedge.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms xcii[i]. 1 He hath made the rounde worlde so sure, that it can not be moued.
1596 L. Mascall Bk. Cattell 120 Thy..cartbodie strong and sure to beare a burthen.
?1614 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses ii. 26 Meale..put in good sure lether sacks.
1617 W. Lawson Countrie Housewifes Garden x. 9 in New Orchard & Garden (1618) You must haue a house made a long time sure, dry wall in your Garden.
1792 H. Cowley Day in Turkey v. 77 This way—make sure the outer gate.
1865 A. C. Swinburne Phædra in Poems & Ballads 38 Make thy sword sure inside thine hand and smite.
1925 J. H. Cox Folk-songs of South 151 Go build me a ship,..Go build it strong and sure.
1992 Door Apr. 10/2 Look at the column of Italian marble which forms the pulpit. It stands strong and sure and unshakeable.
b. Of land, ground, a foundation, etc.: firm, immovable; spec. that provides a strong or stable base. Frequently in figurative contexts, as sure foundation, sure ground, where the sense approaches that of A. 12a.† sure land n. Obsolete (with the) the mainland.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > land mass > mainland > [noun]
mainlandc1440
sure land1525
steadfast land1530
firm land1553
main1555
in-country1565
continent1576
fastland1581
firm1582
terra firma1665
1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. ccxxxiii. f. ccciii/2 Let vs holde styll our beleue, and lette no man put it fro vs, without there be greater apparaunce of a surer foundacyon, than we se as yet.
1530 tr. Caesar Commentaryes xii. 15 Carpenters to be brought from the sure lande to repayre the navey.
1534 Bible (Tyndale rev. Joye) 2 Tim. ii. 19 The sure grounde of God remayneth.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Isa. xxviii. C I wil laye a stone in Sion,..for a sure foundacion.
1616 P. Hay Vision Balaams Asse To King sig. ¶4 The prosperity of the Church and the felicity of this kingdome haue no sure fundament now.
1651 H. Delaune Πατρικον δωρον 28 Humilitie..alone Opens the Gate to blest Eternitie; No surer Base; no firmer Corner-stone.
1665 J. Sergeant (title) Sure-footing in Christianity, or Rational Discourses on The Rule of Faith.
1732 J. Anderson Royal Genealogies 223 Romulus having rest from War since the 21st Year of his Reign imploy'd his Time in settling the Government upon the surest Foundation.
1760 T. Warton Descr. Winchester 85 The Church of Winchester is situated in a low Ground, which, without great Precaution and Expence, affords no very sure Foundation for so weighty a Structure.
1832 H. Martineau Homes Abroad ii. 32 I am anxious to go on sure ground.
1888 A. C. Freeman Amer. Decisions 96 246 If the filling up of plaintiffs' lot be done so that the improvement of the street may have a sure base upon which to rest, their machinery and building must be removed at enormous costs.
1902 M. Maclean Lit. Celts i. 5 Though early British and German history is so elusive, we are on sure ground with the main facts of Celtic progress on the Continent.
2012 B. Regan Gothic Pride x. 95 The majestic site in Morningside Heights disguised..the amount of excavation required to put the cathedral on a sure foundation.
†8.
a. Engaged to be married, betrothed. Also: joined in wedlock, married. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > betrothal and/or marriage > [adjective]
spousedc1300
sure1470
espoused1548
vowed1577
1470 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 413 Mestresse Gryseacresse is sure to Selengere.
c1536 in R. Dyboski Songs, Carols, & Other Misc. Poems (1907) 154 Lady Mary, þe Kyngis dowghter, was mad sure..to þe yong Kyng of Castile.
1592 Arden of Feversham i. 151 The Painter..Hath made reporte that he and Sue is sure.
1608 T. Middleton Trick to catch Old-one iii. sig. D2v I am but newly sure yet to the widdow.
1632 R. Brome Northern Lasse ii. ii. sig. D3v I presum'd..you had beene sure, as fast as faith could bind you, man and wife.
1665 P. Henry Diaries & Lett. (1882) 175 My man william Griffith was marryd..to one of Baschurch, to whom hee had been sure since before hee came to mee.
1694 tr. Terence Mother-in-law i, in Terence's Comedies 261 At last the old Man by baiting and teazing his Son's Heart out,..got him made sure to his next Neighbour's Daughter.
b. Bound to (also unto) a person or thing, esp. by allegiance or devotion. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > [adjective] > bound by promise
troth-plighta1300
sworna1325
plightedc1390
assured1426
jurate1433
abjured1552
sure1567
trothed1567
obliged1600
testeda1616
ingudged1650
betrothed1651
sacramental1785
undertaking1786
oath-bound1795
committed1821
word-bound1836
tied1876
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 209 Sen we ar all to Sin maid sure, Throw Adamis Inobedience.
1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. i. 36 The next city, was that of the Lingones, sure to their side.
1643 R. Baker Chron. Kings of Eng. i. 94 Though King John had entred upon Normandy, and made that Province sure unto him, yet the Province of Anjou stood firme for Arthur.
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 201 To make all that party sure to himself.
1747 C. Cibber Char. & Conduct Cicero 172 The repeated Endeavours of Cæsar to keep Cicero easy and sure to him.
III. Senses relating primarily to certainty or confidence (see note at branch A. II.).
9. In predicative use. Feeling certain in one's mind, convinced; having no doubt or mistrust; confident, assured.Sometimes used colloquially in I am sure to give emphatic force to a statement (see e.g. quot. 1778 at sense A. 9a(a), Phrases 9). Cf. surely adv. 7.
a. With a clause, emphasizing one's certainty or conviction with regards to the main statement.
(a) Preceding a dependent clause. Also with ellipsis of clause, where the clause is contextually understood.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > [adjective]
sickerc1100
bolda1300
surec1330
trist1340
certain1362
traista1400
tresta1400
ensurec1430
suredc1450
absolute1483
firm1483
resolute1501
assured1523
satisfied1533
unperplexed1558
unblanked1570
resolved1577
secure1578
clear1604
constant1611
ungravelled1611
confidenta1616
definitea1616
fearless1634
decretory1651
positive1658
unbrangled1671
cocksure1672
convinced1685
reliant1702
unbewildereda1807
positivistic1893
hensure1929
tooting1932
c1330 Sir Degare (Auch.) l. 761 in W. H. French & C. B. Hale Middle Eng. Metrical Romances (1930) 310 (MED) Ich am al sure, He þat bette þat fure Wil comen hom ȝit to-niȝt.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 973 Be þou sur..holliche al min help þou schalt haue sone.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Melibeus (Hengwrt) (2003) §793 I knowe wel & am right seur, þt he shal no thyng do in this nede wt outen my conseil.
1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. viii. 152 As he that was sewr that he had wonne.
c1500 (?a1475) Assembly of Gods (1896) l. 524 So may ye be sewre he shall yow nat escape.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms cxxxix. [cxl.] 12 Sure I am that the Lorde wil auenge the poore.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iii. i. 47 I am sure if he forfaite, thou wilt not take his flesh. View more context for this quotation
1602 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor iii. i. 56 I am shure you know him.
1670 in 12th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1890) App. v. 22 I am suere you would bee with us if wishes could bring you.
1709 G. Berkeley Ess. New Theory of Vision §51. 57 Sure I am, 'tis worth some Attention.
1778 F. Burney Evelina III. xvi. 173 I'm sure I can't recollect.
1779 Mirror No. 16. ⁋7 I am not sure if the disposition to reflections of this sort be..a proper one.
1832 H. Martineau Demerara i. 19 You might have been sure that I should remember you when you told me your name.
1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay i. 19 Look in on us now and again. I am sure my daughter will be delighted.
1930 D. H. Menzel in Sci. Wonder Stories Feb. 842/2 I feel sure that inert anti-gravitational screens are impossible.
a1940 F. S. Fitzgerald Last Tycoon (1974) ii. 190 When the quake came he had been asleep, and he wasn't sure yet whether he had dreamed it.
1982 N. Marsh Light Thickens iv. 125 ‘Do you have to go out again tonight?’ Emily asked. ‘I'm not sure. I don't think so.’
2007 Chron. Higher Educ. (Nexis) 17 Aug. 8 It is typically thought that the bad quarto is a memorial reconstruction of the play by an actor or spectator, but we can't be sure.
2011 B. Warner One Call Away iv. 34 Are you sure this is what you want to do?
(b) Used parenthetically in the middle of a clause.
ΚΠ
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 74 It wanted nouȝt..þat þei ne fond him as faire as for here state longed, & þe beter, be ye sure, for barn ne had þei none brouȝt forþ of here bodies; here bale was þe more.
c1450 (c1350) Alexander & Dindimus (Bodl.) (1929) 991 We ne sain noukt, king, be þou sur, for sake of our pride.
1565 MS Cott. Cal. B. ix. lf. 218 Your lordship, I am sure, is partaken of such letters as I write to Mr. Secretary.
a1680 J. Bargrave Pope Alexander VII (1867) i. lxvii. 111 The General of the Jesuits order and he, you may be sure, were great.
a1708 W. Beveridge Duties & Advantages Christians (1709) xiii. 411 You will be uncertain whether they..be lawfully called..as be sure many of them are not.
1710 W. Beveridge Def. Bk. Psalms 29 The Company had this Privilege granted them from the King; who, be sure, would never grant them the Privilege of printing any Book, but what he..had first allowed of.
1782 R. Griffith Variety 56 For you, I am sure, are as steady as a rock, both in love and war.
1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor vi, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. III. 75 The Master of Ravenswood cannot, I am sure, object to your presence.
1863 C. Kingsley Water-babies vi. 243 They invented a cock-and-bull story, which, I am sure, I never told them.
1947 C. Brooks Well Wrought Urn v. 75 Pope himself was, we may be sure, thoroughly aware of the problem.
2010 Jewish Chron. 8 Oct. (Community section) 6/5 Life at college will, I'm sure, be different from at home.
(c) Following a clause.
ΚΠ
?a1425 (c1350) Apollonius (1956) l. 94 (MED) Þe kyng was gladdest, suyr be ȝe.
c1450 (a1375) Octavian (Calig.) (1979) l. 1038 Hys fomen myȝte of hym be agast, We mowe be sure.
a1513 H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Werburge (1521) i. vii. sig. c.iii Thus was her maner, in youthe be ye sure.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccxcijv, (margin) An holy box sent down from heauen you may be sure.
1631 B. Jonson Staple of Newes v. iii. 11 in Wks. II I know he was a Porter, And a seal'd Porter for he bore the badge On brest, I am sure.
1678 T. Jones Of Heart & Soveraign 354 King Alfred..sent for help and Assistance..to translate Boethius De consolatione, and other Latine Books for his use, saith Malmesbury, and to inform him in the right Faith, we may be sure.
1722 D. Defoe Moll Flanders 3 She..left me about Half a Year old; and in bad Hands you may be sure.
1805 R. Parkinson Tour in Amer. II. xxxii. 626 There is one of you may be an American..: but as to the other, he is an Englishman, I am sure.
1908 W. Churchill Mr. Crewe's Career ix. 144 He has studied the Rules of the House and parliamentary law, you may be sure.
1972 P. Larkin Let. 30 July in Lett. Monica (2010) 435 He couldn't send me a xerograph of a page, I'm sure.
2006 L. A. Meyer In Belly of Bloodhound vi. 42 I stayed well away from them, you may be sure.
b. With of, about, or (less commonly) without construction.
ΚΠ
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Merlin (1913) II. l. 9740 We wolden preyen the..of on thyng vs sewr forto make.
1598 Chaucers Dreame in T. Speght Wks. G. Chaucer f. 359/2 For of one thing ye may be sure He wil be yours, while he may dure.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) v. ii. 38 He..guesd that it was she, But being mask'd, he was not sure of it. View more context for this quotation
1686 tr. J. Chardin Trav. Persia 158 I was sure of one thing, that [etc.].
1711 A. Pope Ess. Crit. 33 Be silent always when you doubt your Sense; Speak when you're sure, yet speak with Diffidence.
1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron I. iv. iii. 213 Whatever we can perceive by any Sense we may be sure of.
1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1776 II. 72 We are surer of the odiousness of the one, than of the errour of the other.
1818 J. W. Croker in L. J. Jennings Croker Papers (1884) I. 124 He never could distinguish Buonaparte, or his staff, to be sure of them.
1867 J. Ruskin Time & Tide xvi. §99 Never teach a child anything of which you are not yourself sure.
1908 R. Bagot Anthony Cuthbert xxviii. 373 Anthony understands, and forgives—I am sure of it.
1941 N. Douglas Let. 6 June in N. Cunard Grand Man ii. iii. 162 I am not over-happy here; you may be sure of that.
1998 M. E. Hall & P. Dawson Submission Reflex v. 66 He always seemed so sure about everything, and she was so unsure most of the time.
2006 Daily Tel. 10 Oct. 7/2 Mr Justice Goldring said in sentencing them that he could not be sure of the motive.
10.
a. With of. Originally: †having a particular thing secured to one; holding a particular thing securely in one's possession or power (obsolete). In later use: certain to receive, acquire, or otherwise have a particular thing. Also with present participle of a verb of acquisition.Sure, in this sense, can be used to express either subjective or objective certainty, or both combined. For example, she is sure of getting can be used to mean both ‘she is confident of getting’ and ‘it is certain that she will get’.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > [adjective] > possessing > securely
sickera1200
surec1330
the mind > possession > acquisition > [adjective] > confident of getting
surec1330
go-getting1912
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > [adjective] > assured of possession
sickera1200
surec1330
firm1483
cocksure1520
safe1538
secure1605
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > [adjective] > sure to be or do
surec1330
secure1770
cocksure1848
c1330 Seven Sages (Auch.) (1933) l. 1899 (MED) Þe king hem made seur Of warisoun and gret honeur.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Melibeus (Hengwrt) (2003) §482 Whan thow trowest to be moost seur or syker of hir help, she wol faile thee.
a1450 (c1412) T. Hoccleve De Regimine Principum (Harl. 4866) (1897) l. 306 (MED) He schulde of his lif seure ben & certeyne.
a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk Festial (Gough) (1905) 56 Who so lyueth a fowle lyfe, he may be sure of a foule ende.
a1500 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Chetham) l. 499 Beues was sure of no wepyn..That he myght deffend hym with all.
1573 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1878) 1st Ser. II. 177 Thay offerit to..discharge the half of thair..wageis, being maid sure of the uther half..to be payit at sum competent day.
1587 in Publ. Catholic Rec. Soc. (1908) 5 140 The young king of Scotland remaineth still amongst his..ennemies, who suffer him to take his pastime..under a shew of liberty, but they think themselves sure ynough of him.
a1627 T. Middleton & W. Rowley Spanish Gipsie (1653) ii. sig. C2v English Gipsies, in whose companie a man's not sure of the eares of his head they so pilfer.
1653 I. Walton Compl. Angler 55 You may, if you stand close, be sure of a bit, but not sure to catch him. View more context for this quotation
1718 M. Prior Solomon on Vanity iii, in Poems Several Occasions (new ed.) 484 Sure of the Toil, uncertain of the Prize.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 327 We are sure of Sea there.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. xvi. 164 They who had warm fortunes were always sure of getting good husbands.
1826 W. Cobbett Rural Rides in Cobbett's Weekly Polit. Reg. 14 Oct. 142 This is a crop of which a man may always be sure, if he take proper pains.
1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest I. viii. 140 I feel sure of his permission.
1893 Law Times 95 305/2 If she wished to be sure of her income she should..avoid dabbling in the shares of new companies.
1907 M. Moore Let. May in Sel. Lett. (1997) 26 She advises me not to major in Eng. if I want to be sure of my degree.
1927 M. C. Work Contract Bridge 145 Solid suit, one of such length and strength as to be practically sure of winning every trick in that suit.
1955 A. L. Rowse Diary 31 Mar. (2003) 231 Though I have been here several times before, I can never be sure of finding my way.
2007 J. Gao Debt Capital Markets in China iv. 145 In a Dutch auction, the bidder who offers the highest price is sure of success.
b. With infinitive. Certain to do or be something.Sure, in this sense, was originally used to express subjective certainty (see sense A. 9), but now expresses objective certainty, and therefore has became applicable to things (e.g. in quots. 1885 and 2005). For example, she is sure to return could have formerly meant ‘she is certain that she will return’, whereas now it has the meaning ‘it is certain that she will return’. This former use is now expressed by of and a present participle (see sense A. 10a).
ΚΠ
c1425 (c1400) Laud Troy-bk. l. 15612 (MED) Thei myȝt ther-fore be sur & bold To scle the kyng & brenne Ilyoun.
1531 W. Tyndale Answere Mores Dialoge f. lxxviij The apostles, patriarkes and prophetes were sure to be folowed.
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie sig. Div He makth him sewre to wyn, who ever leeses.
1616 R. Sheldon Suruey Miracles Church of Rome Pref. sig. ¶¶jv Such Conuerts..are sure to bee beset with diuerse sorts of Aduersaries.
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors vii. 400 The Governour, who many times is not sure to return again, takes his leave of the City.
1713 J. Addison in Guardian 7 July 2/2 If they have any Wit or Sense, they are sure to show it.
1757 M. Postlethwayt Great Britain's True Syst. xi. 275 If a trading Nation loses its mechanical and manufactural Artists,..such Nation is sure to lose its Trade.
1821 C. Lamb in London Mag. July 29/1 Whatever heat of opposition..I set out with, I am sure always, in the long run, to be brought over to her way of thinking.
1885 Manch. Examiner 13 July 5/2 The..oration..was sure to be full of pungent criticism.
1910 Hunter Trader Trapper Apr. 23/2 An animal venturing upon the plank is almost sure to be caught.
1953 M. C. Scott Breakfast at Six xii. 99 He's sure to have lots of hootch outside.
2005 D. A. Lereah Are you missing Real Estate Boom? x. 194 Prices are sure to rise in the succeeding decades.
11.
a. Of a means or method: that may be relied on to attain an intended end; certain to produce the desired or stated result; unfailing, unerring.See also sure card n. at Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > reliability > [adjective]
sickerc1100
very1303
certainc1325
trustyc1390
soothfasta1400
surea1400
unfailingc1400
unfailablea1525
unfallible1529
infailable1561
reliable1569
cocksurea1575
faithful1611
infalliblea1616
well-proven1639
unfallida1641
indefailable1693
securea1729
pukka1776
a1400 tr. Lanfranc Sci. Cirurgie (Ashm.) (1894) 288 Þer is no wei so sure [L. melior] to take him [sc. an ulcer] awei as fier.
1530 in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) III. App. x. 21 The moost sewryst waye that Scripture doth teache to worshipe sayntts withall, ys to lyve the lyffe that they lyvid.
1592 Arden of Feversham v. i. 90 It is vnpossible; but here comes he That will, I hope, inuent some surer meanes.
1653 W. Ramesey Astrologia Restaurata 218 To..impart unto them the truth and surest rules for the judging thereof.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 53 Long Practice has a sure Improvement found. View more context for this quotation
1725 E. Young Universal Passion: Satire III 3 Another judges by a surer gage, An author's principles, or parentage.
1762 in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. i. 342 I hope that will be the surest Way of bringing about a General Peace so necessary to Europe.
1812 G. Crabbe Tales xv. 273 Every point enforce By quoting much, the scholar's sure resource.
1879 R. K. Douglas Confucianism iv. 94 His surest way of acquiring a trace of the divine afflatus must be by studying..their careers.
1929 E. D. Branch Hunting of Buffalo ii. 35 The piskun was surer and safer than the human trap; it was an enclosed pen into which the buffalo were driven.
1949 Pop. Mech. July 194 An aluminium name plate is a sure means of proving ownership of a stolen bicycle.
2011 K. S. Shrader-Frechette What will Work vii. 234 An energy mix that includes atomic energy..might be the surest way to address climate change.
b. Of a sign or signal: giving trustworthy indication; able to be relied on; infallible, unmistakable. Frequently in sure sign.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > evident certainty > [adjective] > in meaning
sure1493
univocal?1541
univoque?1541
inequivocal1779
unequivocal1785
rousing1836
resounding1873
unequivocable1921
graphic1937
full-frontal1971
1493 Tretyse of Loue (de Worde) sig. Giv/2 This is the moost sure & true signe of all other.
1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 75 Everye Climate hathe a proper name, for the surer difference of one from an other.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 278 In all assaults Their surest signal. View more context for this quotation
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 99 The Colt, that for a Stallion is design'd, By sure Presages shows his generous Kind. View more context for this quotation
1719 S. Acton Truth without Disguise 43 Christ tells them plainly, unless they repented, he would come and remove the Candlestick out of its place. A sure indication of his dismissing 'em his favour.
1780 Mirror No. 93. ⁋3 The surest mark of a weak mind.
1830 J. F. W. Herschel Prelim. Disc. Study Nat. Philos. §386 There is no surer criterion of the state of science in any age.
1886 E. Whitaker Tip Cat (new ed.) xxi. 289 He became more irritable and impatient—a sure sign, Dr. Lee declared, of approaching convalescence.
1955 E. I. Stewart Custer's Luck v. 114 Gibbon's command found the fort in the same condition as it had been left.., sure evidence that the Sioux had not returned in the interim.
2004 Boating Life Mar. 26/2 Always be looking for swirling water, a sure sign that the bottom is near.
12.
a. That one may rely on as true; undoubted, indisputable; definite.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > [adjective]
wislyc1000
sickera1225
firm1377
unfailingc1400
decided1439
suredc1450
sure1470
infirmat1487
delivered1499
fast and sure1528
undeceivablea1535
undoubteda1535
certainc1540
true (also good, sure) as touch1590
constant1611
positivea1616
square1632
formal1635
unapocryphal1644
inconditional1646
inconditionate1654
undeceitful1673
unshakeable1677
unproblematic1683
unprecarious1688
unerring1697
safe1788
hard1791
unproblematical1792
decisive1800
dead-on1889
hands down1900
1470 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 555 I pray yow send me swyr tydy[n]gys of the world.
?a1556 Grey Friars Chron. anno 1525 in R. Howlett Monumenta Franciscana (1882) II. 191 A pele was comandyd to be ronge..for sewer worde and tydynges that Richard de la Pole was slayne.
c1600 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 31 He haid suire knawledg quhair the king was at his pastyme.
a1620 J. Dyke Divers Select Serm. (1640) 2 It is a sure thing that a Christian so demeaning himselfe..may live the most comfortable life of any man in the world.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 154 How he can Is doubtful; that he never will is sure . View more context for this quotation
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Onomatopæa The surest Etymologies are those deduced by the Onomatopæia.
1849 G. P. R. James Woodman I. iii. 54 The news was too sure, the tale too sad to be false.
1867 J. Ruskin Time & Tide xvi. §93 And very sternly I say to you—and say from sure knowledge—that [etc.].
1906 Bystander 21 Nov. 407/1 The universal liking of tea is the surest proof of its virtuous qualities.
1913 Cent. Mag. May 4/1 I shall bear sure testimony to the integrity of Mr. Tilden. I directly know that the Presidency was offered to him for a price and that he refused it.
1999 J. H. Williams Significance Printed Word in Early Amer. vi. 138 They demanded such news—sure news in print, not just the words which shuttled about on the lips of gossips and passersby.
b. Certain to come or happen; guaranteed. Also: certain to become what is denoted by the noun. Cf. sure thing n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > [adjective] > sure to happen
certaina1300
sure1496
secure1582
stone ginger1936
1496 tr. Medytacions St. Bernarde sig. Biij For deth is sure & vndowted: but the houre of deth is preuy & vnknowen.
?1520 A. Barclay tr. Sallust Cron. Warre agaynst Iugurth lxiii. f. 87v If I knewe without dout that our sure dystruction were instant.
1565 W. Allen Def. & Declar. Doctr. Purgatory ii. xvii. f. 283 One..frameth (as he supposethe) his negatiue argument, to the more sure shake of oure faithe herein.
1615 W. Mure Misc. Poems xiii. 16 Bewar such schame becum thy suirest hap.
1692 M. Prior Ode Imitation Horace xiii. 11 Sure and sudden be their just Remorse.
1746 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Satires ii. iii. 21 Unhappy bard! to sure contempt you run.
1781 W. Cowper Retirem. 263 To make thee but a surer prey.
1858 E. H. Sears Athanasia ix. 78 Confusion is the pretty sure result.
1896 A. E. Housman Shropshire Lad lxii. 93 Luck's a chance, but trouble's sure.
1915 Christensen's Ragtime Rev. Oct. 3 The best ballad ever written by these gifted composers and a sure hit with any singer.
1929 H. H. Richardson Fortunes Richard Mahony III. ii. ix. 216 A sure Paradise awaited the great Martyr.
1951 Ogden (Utah) Standard-Examiner 2 Dec. 16 a/4 A sure cure for ‘dog breath’ and body odors.
2003 S. E. Gardner Blood & Irony 134 Valiant efforts to fend off an unstoppable enemy in the face of sure defeat.
B. adv.
1.
a. Assuredly, undoubtedly, for a certainty. Frequently as a sentence adverb. Now chiefly North American and Irish English.In later use also used ironically to express scepticism or contradiction; cf. sense C. 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > [adverb]
iwis?c1160
sickerlyc1175
wisc1175
wislyc1200
i-witterlic1275
sickerc1275
certc1300
hardilyc1300
hardlya1325
certain1330
tristilya1350
certainlya1375
redelya1375
redilya1375
surelyc1380
hand in handa1382
righta1393
assuredlya1400
surea1400
naturallyc1425
in certc1440
ascertainly1477
soverly1513
perqueer1568
really1604
assurelya1626
just1687
pos1710
besure1743
verdad1928
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 21887 (MED) Euery creatoure sure Aftir þe state of his nature Bettre her makere knowe þen mon.
c1475 Wisdom (Folger) (1969) l. 50 (MED) The prerogatyff of my loue ys so grett Þat wo tastyt þerof þe lest droppe sure All lustys and lykyngys worldly xall lett.
?1548 A. Gilby Answer Deuillish Detection S. Gardiner f. clxvi Yea sure it is to be feared.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney tr. Psalmes David (1823) xxv. ii Sure, sure, who hope in thee, Shall never suffer shame.
1599 George a Greene sig. E Were he as good as G. a Green, I would strike him sure.
1659 J. Milton Considerations touching Hirelings 27 He took not sure his whole estate with him to that warr.
1681 J. Dryden Absalom & Achitophel 12 His Mercy even th' Offending Crowd will find, For sure he comes of a Forgiving Kind.
1715 D. Defoe Family Instructor I. i. i. 7 Sure it is a fine Place.
1791 W. Cowper tr. Homer Iliad in Iliad & Odyssey I. xxii. 577 Of all ills that wait On miserable man, that sure is worst.
1842 S. Lover Handy Andy v. 54 Och sure, my heart's broke with you!
1876 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Tom Sawyer ix. 87 They're coming, sure.
1897 Punch 3 Apr. 166/1 ‘That's a drop of good Whiskey—eh, Pat?’ Pat. ‘Faith, ye may well say that, Sorr. Shure, it wint down my T'roat loike a Torchlight Procession!’
1901 W. Churchill Crisis i. viii. 67 He'll win the handicap sure.
1933 J. G. Cozzens Cure of Flesh i. 20 Sure, the truck came. Is anything wrong?
1987 Philadelphia Inquirer 18 Aug. c3 ‘If you lose and they lose, it's like you won and they won... So we really did win.’ Uh, right. Sure they did.
1996 J. Doran Red Doran 8 I suppose there wasn't a lot of wealth about, but sure everybody or nearly everybody in the street was in the same boat.
b. colloquial (originally U.S.). Placed between subject and verb as an intensifier: certainly, undoubtedly.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > absolute certainty > [adverb]
withouten wantrukea1225
without missa1275
dreadlessc1369
doubtlessc1386
certainlya1400
sadly?a1425
questionlessc1425
undoubtablyc1425
doubtlesslyc1440
unsoilablyc1445
undoubtablec1450
undoubteda1500
undoubtedly?a1500
infallibly1502
indefeasibly1540
undubitately1548
indubitatelya1552
undoubting1552
undoubtingly1552
indoubtedly1563
indoubtly1606
unquestionably1611
questionlessly1612
indubitably1624
undoubtfully1628
uncontrollably1629
irrefragably1635
ungainsayably1637
inquestionablya1641
indubiously1642
unquestionedly1644
incontrollably1646
incontrovertibly1646
indisputably1646
acknowledgedly?1649
inexpugnably1653
uncontrovertablya1658
undubitably1660
inconfutably1664
uncontrollably1676
irrefutably1681
uncontestedly1699
undisputably1707
uncontestably1709
incontestablya1711
uncontrovertibly1755
undisputedly1778
(and) no mistake1818
unchallengeably1827
without resort1827
undeniedly1837
unappealably1840
indubitativelya1853
irrecusably1862
uncontradictably1862
inescapably1881
unarguably1888
sho1893
sure1894
posilutely1914
hands down1936
1894 Texas Criminal Rep. 32 628 I never forced or persuaded him to tell me... He just came up and said, ‘Well, I sure done the deed.’
1908 ‘Yeslah’ Tenderfoot S. Calif. i. 14 It sure was a cold night.
1913 C. E. Mulford Coming of Cassidy vii. 113 I shore lost a wad playin' faro-bank agin a tow-head.
1953 Manch. Guardian Weekly 22 Jan. 7 You sure left an awful mess in Washington.
1975 R. Davies World of Wonders (1977) i. vii. 83 You didn't need feet to fly a plane, but you sure needed brains.
2005 FQ July 14/1 Admittedly, Chuck Norris isn't up there with De Niro and Pacino when it comes to method acting, but he sure can kick like a mule.
2. Securely, firmly; safely. archaic in later use.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adverb] > safely or securely
fasteOE
sickerc1275
sickerlyc1290
surelyc1330
surea1400
surefully1495
soverly1513
sover1575
secure1578
securely1587
snug1674
rug1714
a1400 (?a1350) Seege Troye (Egerton) (1927) l. 11 (MED) Þe Troyens..charged her shippe wel and sure With vitailes and Armure.
a1500 (?a1325) Otuel & Roland (1935) l. 344 (MED) Douȝter, tak to the messanger Into thy chaumber ryȝt now here, And arme hym wel and sure.
a1513 W. Dunbar Tabill of Confessioun in Poems (1998) I. 270 With the fair foure vertuis cardinall Agins vicis sure anarmyng me.
1555 T. Cranmer Certain Lett. (1556) sig. Bviii I might haue sent them by the caryer soner, but not surer.
1600 W. Cornwallis Ess. I. i. sig. B3 I would not..do any thing more then stand the surer vpon my guard to resist fortune.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) v. i. 16 The sooner to effect, And surer binde this knot of amitie. View more context for this quotation
1629 Vse of Law 56 in J. Doddridge Lawyers Light The Land being so sure tyed upon the heire as that his Father could not put it from him.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 897 Let him surer barr His Iron Gates. View more context for this quotation
1693 J. Locke Some Thoughts conc. Educ. § 13 Children would..lay the Foundations of an healthy..Constitution much surer, if they..were kept wholly from Flesh.
1789 H. Brooke Montezuma v. iv, in Poems & Plays (ed. 2) III. 334 He's caught, in happy season—Bind him sure, and fear no other arm!
1919 H. Scholfield Sonnets 85 O Friendship who the hearts of men dost bind So sure that those dear bonds Death cannot break.
2007 G. R. Grove Flight of Hawk 9 When we went home in the dawn, still hand in hand, we knew that we were bound as sure as any, though no priest had blessed our union.
3. With certainty; without risk of failure. Now rare, except in (as) sure as —— at Phrases 1 and sure enough at Phrases 2a.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > [adverb]
(it is) no fail (but)1297
alsaufc1300
without lackc1300
without (any) faultc1325
sickerly1340
without lipsea1380
surelyc1380
for, without (any) failinga1382
sure?a1475
securely1597
?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 365 (MED) We knowe not the hour of his comyng now sure, and yn clennesse alle loke ye be redy.
1479 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 413 So that..they may the better, sewrer, and more diligenter,..ministre their said Officeȝ.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 6 Sum sayn full sure & for sothe holdyn Hit was þe formast on flete þat on flode past.
1556 W. Lauder Compend. Tractate Dewtie of Kyngis sig. B3v Ȝe suld not..promoue thame To that..cure Except ȝe vnderstude moste sure Thame apt.
1590 C. Marlowe Tamburlaine: 1st Pt. sig. C These are the wings shall make it flie as swift, As dooth the lightening:..And kill as sure as it swiftly flies.
1797 M. Robinson Walsingham III. 257 The higher the objects of contempt are placed, the surer they become marks for the observing multitude.
1823 C. Lamb Christ's Hosp. in Elia 44 Woe to the school, when he made his morning appearance in his passy, or passionate wig. No comet expounded surer.
2009 C. McPherson Dandy Gilver & Proper Treatm. of Bloodstains viii. 138 No one could know surer than me.
4. One must admit, admittedly; at any rate, to say the least. Also: in all likelihood; as one's experience or common sense suggests; = surely adv. 7.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [adverb] > in any case, at all
in any casea1398
algatesc1405
sure1552
in any hand1595
at all adventure (also adventures)1677
at any rate1730
1552–3 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Edward VI (1914) 89 I know not howe ye be provided to furnish me but suer methinkes I sholde haue nolesse then five suetes of apparrell.
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 1617/1 The spoyle was not riche sure, but of white bread, oten cakes, and Scottishe ale.
1583 R. Greene Mamillia i. f. 1 Whether hee were better lyked for his calling, or loued for his courtesie: but sure whether it were, he had gayned the heartes of all the people.
1631 B. Jonson Divell is Asse ii. v. 12 in Wks. II Hell! why is shee so braue? It cannot be to please Duke Dottrel, sure.
1658 R. Allestree Pract. Christian Graces; or, Whole Duty of Man xv. §15. 316 That all under his charge be taught all necessary things of this kind, and then sure more especially his wife.
1713 A. Pope Corr. 8 Dec. (1956) I. 199 Sure no Clergyman ever offered so much, out of his own Purse, for the Sake of any Religion.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. ix. 137 Sure it cannot be?
1811 J. Austen Sense & Sensibility II. xiii. 242 Sure, you an't well. View more context for this quotation
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. i. 24 There is no treason, sure, in a man enjoying his own thoughts, under the shadow of his own bonnet?
1915 in P. Farrer Confid. Corr. on Cross Dressing (1997) 108 At the same time, I am not less manly, sure, than Highlanders. Are not they always admired by the other sex?
1969 A. Lurie Real People 106 Parts of it were pretty, sure. In a phony way, like this place.
2007 Car & Driver Feb. 43/1 Sure, it's still leather, but the cows are raised and, uh, harvested humanely.
C. int.
1. colloquial and regional (chiefly North American in later use). Used to express agreement, affirmation, or assent: certainly, of course. Frequently with yes, yeah, aye, why, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assent > [interjection]
right1594
do1601
sure1651
all right1814
OK1839
ryebuck1859
yassuh1871
achcha1892
righto1893
same here1896
quaiss kitir1898
check1922
righty-ho1926
oke1929
okey-dokey1932
okey-doke1934
okle-dokle1947
cool1948
seen1973
aight1993
1651 Whole Triall Mr Love 47 Att. Gen. Was Mr. Love present when this letter was read? Far. Yes sure, he was present.
1803 G. Colman John Bull i. i. 4 Den. Troth! and myself Mr. Dennis Brulgruddery was brought up to the church. Dan. Why, zure!
1813 Sketches of Character (ed. 2) I. 83 ‘What, was Mad Ross there?’.. ‘Oh yes, sure.’
1861 E. Waugh Birtle Carter's Tale 6 A glass ov ale. Ay, sure; yo'st have it in a minute.
1862 M. E. Braddon Lady Audley's Secret I. xix. 298 ‘You say a blacksmith has been here?’ ‘Sure and I did, sir.’
1914 P. G. Wodehouse Man Upstairs 133 ‘Is that a fact?’ ‘Sure,’ murmured Archibald.
1963 Mrs. L. B. Johnson White House Diary 26 Nov. (1970) 11 If it had been a request to chop off one's right hand one would have said, ‘Sure’.
1975 R. Stout Family Affair xi. 130 I'm under arrest. I asked if you could finish your lunch, and they said sure, no hurry.
2000 D. Browne Dream Brother (2002) xvii. 278 ‘He'd like to meet you. Can he come tonight?’ ‘Yeah, sure,’ Tim replied.
2. colloquial (originally North American). Used sarcastically to express scepticism or incredulity. Frequently in oh, sure, yeah, sure. Cf. right int. 1.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > disbelief, incredulity > expressions of disbelief [interjection]
to go toc1275
in good timea1470
Walker1811
to get off1818
this beats my grandmother1819
to go on1835
your granny!1837
to get away1847
I ask you1855
great guns!1875
sure1907
oh yeah1927
Aunt Fanny1928
go 'long1974
to sod off1976
1907 L. Scott To him that Hath iii. ix. 250 Just then her hand happened to fall on mine—accident, oh, sure!
1976 Modesto (Calif.) Bee 14 Oct. c10/7 So when we parted, he says, ‘Someday I'm going to be a writer-producer and you're gonna work for me.’ And I said, ‘Oh yeah, sure.’
1986 D. Koontz Strangers i. i. 19 If she looked at the word in cold print, it would cease to have any power over her. Sure. Voodoo for the overeducated.
1993 I. Welsh Trainspotting 313 The White Swan wid nivir take advantage ay a damsel in distress though, he smiles.—Aye, sure, ah sais, totally unconvinced.

Phrases

P1. (as) sure as ——: used, preceding a clause or noun, in various similative phrases expressing certainty.Frequently in fixed phrases: (as) sure as God made little apples at apple n. Phrases 6, as sure as check at check n.1 17, as sure as a club at club n. 1d, (as) sure as death at death n. Phrases 6a, as sure as eggs is eggs at egg n. 4b, as sure as fate at fate n. 3a, (as) sure as a gun at gun n. 6a, (as) sure as hell at hell n. and int. Phrases 4b(b), sure as shit at shit n. and adj. Phrases 6b, sure as touch at touch n. Phrases 3.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > of course, certainly [phrase] > beyond question
(as) sure as ——a1413
if your cap be of wool1546
as sure as a club1584
(as) sure as a guna1640
(as) sure as God made little apples1796
you can gamble on that1862
no matter how (or whichever way, etc.) you slice it1936
that's for sure1971
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1882) iii. l. 1633 Also seur as red is euery fir, As gret a craft is kep wel as wynne.
1534 tr. M. Luther Agaynst Newe Idole & Olde Deuyll sig. b.vii But this example came from the deuyll, as sure as [Ger. so gewis] god lyueth in heuen.
1580 T. Tusser Fiue Hundred Pointes Good Husbandrie (new ed.) f. 70 Take runagate Robin, to pitie his neede, and looke to be filched, as sure as thy creede.
1619 E. M. Bolton tr. Florus Rom. Hist. i. xviii. 88 I see as sure as can bee, that I am borne vnder the constellation of Hercules.
1676 T. Hobbes tr. Homer Iliads ii. 32 [He] thought To take Troy now as sure as any thing.
1701 G. Farquhar Sir Harry Wildair v. v. 44 Stand... You'll be serious when I tell you that her Ghost appears. Wild. Her Ghost! Ha, ha, ha... Stand. As sure as Fate, it walks in my House.
1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 4 Lady Smart. Oh! Colonel, are you here! Col. As sure as you're there, Madam.
1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews II. iv. xiv. 290 That's true, as sure as Sixpence, you have hit on the very thing. View more context for this quotation
1824 W. Scott in Edinb. Weekly Jrnl. 9 June 181/3 As sure as ever ye sit there, She'll tell the Bailie.
1833 H. Martineau Loom & Lugger ii. iii. 44 As sure as the year came round.
1856 C. M. Yonge Daisy Chain i. ii. 13 Madam, said I, you'll have to answer for your mother's death, as sure as my name's Dick May.
1944 E. S. Gardner Case of Black-eyed Blonde xx. 194 I'm telling you just as sure as you're sitting there, that if you don't get men out to Jason Bartsler's place, a murder is going to be committed.
2007 L. Samson Embrace Me viii. 124 Get on over to that dock, 'cause sure as rain in spring that girl's going to be there.
P2.
a. sure enough: used to indicate that a particular turn of events is predictable or inevitable. Cf. sure (also sho') 'nuff at nuff adv.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > of course, certainly [phrase]
to iwissea1000
mid iwissea1000
in wisc1000
to wis(se)c1000
without(en (any) weenc1175
sans fail1297
thereof no strife1297
but werea1300
forouten werea1300
out of werea1300
without werea1300
without deceit1303
for certainc1320
it is to wittingc1320
withouten carec1320
without nayc1330
without noc1330
without (but out of) dread1340
no doubtc1380
without distancec1390
no fresea1400
out of doubta1400
without doubta1400
for, (in, at obs.), of, to (a) certaintyc1400
withouten stance14..
hazel woods shakea1413
of, on, in warrantisec1440
sure enough?1440
without question?1440
wythout diswerec1440
without any dispayrec1470
for (also of) a surety?a1475
in (also for) surenessa1475
of certainc1485
without any (also all) naya1500
out of question?1526
past question?1526
for sure1534
what else1540
beyond (also out of, past, without) (all) peradventure1542
to be a bidden by1549
out of (also without) all cry1565
with a witness1579
upon my word1591
no question1594
out of all suspicion1600
for a certain1608
without scruple1612
to be sure1615
that's pos1710
in course1722
beyond (all) question1817
(and) no mistake1818
no two ways about it (also that)1818
of course1823
bien entendu1844
yessiree1846
you bet you1857
make no mistake1876
acourse1883
sans doute1890
how are you?1918
you bet your bippy1968
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) ii. l. 366 (MED) The benefice of sunne & wynde wol harde Hem sure ynough.
a1545 Sir E. Howard in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. I. 150 Sewre inough Sir therys moche vitall at Sandwich, and they have no vessels to bryng it to us.
a1643 J. Shute Sarah & Hagar (1649) 178 The Sin of Oppression, sure enough, will be payed home.
1773 C. Dibdin Deserter i. ii. 7 Ah, indeed, the soldiers make sad work with young womens hearts, sure enough.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair lxiii. 574 It came up the number sure enough.
1891 ‘J. S. Winter’ Lumley v. 33 And you were so angry with me when you went off—I saw it, sure enough.
1923 J. J. McGraw My Thirty Years in Baseball xxxiv. 181 We all had a hunch that he was going to nail the ball, and sure enough he did.
1954 G. Durrell Bafut Beagles (1956) 71 We crowded round the hole and listened. Sure enough, we could hear something stirring inside.
2004 E. M. Brown Lemon City (2007) xiii. 150 Sure enough, his hunch was right.
b.
sure-enough adj. U.S. colloquial genuine, real.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > foundation in fact, validity > [adjective] > genuine, real
soothc888
soothlyc888
soothfastc1175
germanec1384
truea1398
sickera1400
upright?a1500
uncounterfeita1542
righteous1543
legitimate1551
truepennya1556
arrant1570
uncounterfeited1571
real1573
current1578
genuinal1599
unforged1610
unpretended1611
legitime1614
unabusinga1628
Lubish1632
genuine1639
undissembled1651
undissimulate1652
ingenuine1661
infallacious1677
real live1684
unfalsified1688
unmistaken1694
pukka1776
undissimulated1776
unassumed1818
uncynical1824
Simon Pure1834
sure-enough1837
unsimulated1840
straight-out1848
true blue1852
veritable1862
really (and) truly1864
authentic1868
true-metal1868
kosher1896
twenty-four carat1900
honest to goodness1905
echt1916
dinky-di1918
McCoy1928
twenty-two carat1962
right1969
1837 New Sporting Mag. Sept. 185 Jim bought him a long tail blue, and a sure enough fur hat, and the way he struts now is a sorter peacocky.
1846 in J. F. H. Claiborne Life & Corr. J. A. Quitman (1860) 288 They found out that the old ranchero was the sure-enough general.
1884 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Huckleberry Finn xxii. 192 They all come riding in..looking just like a gang of real sure-enough queens.
1946 L. Lenski Blue Ridge Billy xii. 177 You ought to be glad to have a sure-enough possum dog like Banjo... He don't need no trainin'. He's takened it up hisself.
1999 New Yorker 5 July 86/1 Video projections show signs of evolving into a sure-enough art form.
P3. sure of oneself: having confidence in one's own judgement or ability; self-confident, self-assured. Cf. self-sure adj. at self- prefix 1e(b).
ΚΠ
1528 W. Tyndale That Fayth Mother of All Good Workes f. xxxiiii Lest we shuld be carelesse and sure of ourselves, neclygent, & vnprepared.
1578 W. B. tr. Appian of Alexandria Aunc. Hist. Romanes Warres iv. 236 Some being sure of themselues and desirous of the gaine, hunted out the other, to haue reward of the killers.
1700 tr. F. de S. de la Mothe-Fénelon Adventures Telemachus (ed. 2) v. 613 You can never know when you are sure of him, Because he can never be sure of himself.
1734 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. II. 108 Fear nothing (replied Arapes) I am sure of my self, and I'll answer with my life.
1813 Ordeal I. xxii. 195 Reposing in the affection of Edward looking forward to becoming his wife, she felt more sure of herself than formerly.
1897 Brit. Weekly 1 Apr. 422/3 So sure of themselves that they do not need to protest nor process, but carry their flag in their heart.
1918 N. Duncan Battles Royal II. iv. 129 Tall was none too sure of himself—he was terribly weak and poor-spirited.
1962 D. Lessing Golden Notebk. ii. 274 He sauced her with his eyes; sitting up broad, solid, pink-cheeked; very sure of himself.
2004 Spin June 65 Karen O seems like a supercool New York art-star who's completely sure of herself and a little bit dangerous.
P4. for sure: as a certainty, for certain; without doubt; undoubtedly. Frequently in that's for sure. In later, colloquial use often used emphatically at the end of a sentence.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > of course, certainly [phrase]
to iwissea1000
mid iwissea1000
in wisc1000
to wis(se)c1000
without(en (any) weenc1175
sans fail1297
thereof no strife1297
but werea1300
forouten werea1300
out of werea1300
without werea1300
without deceit1303
for certainc1320
it is to wittingc1320
withouten carec1320
without nayc1330
without noc1330
without (but out of) dread1340
no doubtc1380
without distancec1390
no fresea1400
out of doubta1400
without doubta1400
for, (in, at obs.), of, to (a) certaintyc1400
withouten stance14..
hazel woods shakea1413
of, on, in warrantisec1440
sure enough?1440
without question?1440
wythout diswerec1440
without any dispayrec1470
for (also of) a surety?a1475
in (also for) surenessa1475
of certainc1485
without any (also all) naya1500
out of question?1526
past question?1526
for sure1534
what else1540
beyond (also out of, past, without) (all) peradventure1542
to be a bidden by1549
out of (also without) all cry1565
with a witness1579
upon my word1591
no question1594
out of all suspicion1600
for a certain1608
without scruple1612
to be sure1615
that's pos1710
in course1722
beyond (all) question1817
(and) no mistake1818
no two ways about it (also that)1818
of course1823
bien entendu1844
yessiree1846
you bet you1857
make no mistake1876
acourse1883
sans doute1890
how are you?1918
you bet your bippy1968
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > of course, certainly [phrase] > beyond question
(as) sure as ——a1413
if your cap be of wool1546
as sure as a club1584
(as) sure as a guna1640
(as) sure as God made little apples1796
you can gamble on that1862
no matter how (or whichever way, etc.) you slice it1936
that's for sure1971
1534 (?a1500) Weavers' Pageant l. 941 in H. Craig Two Coventry Corpus Christi Plays (1931) 62 For sure, yff thow woldist neuer so fayne, Labur thi wyttis to lerne owre lawe.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney tr. Psalmes David (1823) xxvi. i I held for sure, that I should never slide.
1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd ii. 35 Now, now, for sure, deliverance is at hand. View more context for this quotation
1765 I. Bickerstaff Maid of Mill iii. iv. 60 Some plague bewitch'd me that's for sure.
1861 D. G. Rossetti tr. Dante Vita Nuova in Early Ital. Poets ii. 256 He makes oath: ‘Forsure, This is a creature of God till now unknown’.
1883 R. L. Stevenson Treasure Island i. vi. 52 These fellows who attacked the inn tonight—bold, desperate blades, for sure.
1897 M. Kingsley Trav. W. Afr. 305 I have promised the Fans to pay off in whatever they choose, and I know for sure they want powder.
1916 G. O'Keeffe Let. Feb. in G. O'Keeffe & A. Pollitzer Lovingly, Georgia (1990) 142 I don't know about Texas yet for sure—we are haggeling [sic] and tearing the air over it.
1971 C. Bonington Annapurna South Face xiii. 156 We can't do it in the next two days..—that's for sure.
1982 A. Lane & W. Crawford Vals (film script for ‘Valley Girls’, rev. draft) 3 I don't want to like start a family. Like I'd get puffed out to the max and all, fer sure.
2010 New Yorker 1 Feb. 28/1 It was too early to say for sure how they were doing.
P5.
†a. by (also on) the surer side: on the mother's side; by maternal descent (see quot. 1548). Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry V f. lxxiiiv The old & trite prouerbe be true that the womans side is the surer side and that the childe foloweth the wombe.]
1589 ‘Marphoreus’ Martins Months Minde To Rdr. sig. Cv Their Father, or great Grandfather, or any of that leud linage before them, and these mens Cater Cosins, on the surer side.
1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus iv. ii. 125 Hee is your brother by the surer side . View more context for this quotation
1611 J. Speed Hist. Great Brit. ix. ii. 416/2 Hee [sc. William the Conqueror] ordained his halfe brother by the surer side, Odo Bishop of Bayeux.
1678 T. Jones Of Heart & Soveraign 314 The first Gentile Bishop they had at Rome, and upon good desert, Linus by name, was of Brittish extraction by the surer side, the Son of Claudia Ruffina.
1719 T. Harris Fox, a Fryar 17 To Matchiavel, and Him, I am ally'd, Both my Great Uncles, by the surer side.
1737 S. Berington Mem. G. di Lucca 150 This Great Heroe..from whose Loins you your self sprung by the surer Side.
1893 Glasgow Herald 25 Jan. I am clanless, because, although I am one by the surer side, the name I bear is different.
b. to be on the sure side of the hedge: to be in a position of safety or security; to be on the safe side.
ΚΠ
1607 R. C. tr. H. Estienne World of Wonders i. xvi. 126 They are on the sure side of the hedge [Fr. ils iouent a bonne veue].
1677 A. Horneck Great Law of Consideration iii. 56 It would become a wise man..to endeavor to be on the sure side of the hedge.
1725 G. Sewell in W. Shakespeare Wks. VII. 329 Ferdinand was resolv'd to be on the sure side of the hedge with him.
?1770 Entertaining Fabulist 210 Let what will happen I shall be on the sure side of the hedge.
1858 Godey's Lady's Bk. Aug. 143/1 There's no knowin' whether 'twill be needed or not; but then, you know, 'tis best, as the sayin' is, to be on the sure side of the hedge.
c. on the sure side: with a margin of security to avoid error or danger. Frequently in to be on the sure side: (so as) to run no risks.Cf. on the safe side at safe adj. Phrases 13, which is much more common.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > be safe [verb (intransitive)] > run no risks
to be on the sure side1668
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > caution > be cautious or take care [verb (intransitive)]
warea1000
biwaitc1456
to look to it1548
to look out?1553
to play safe1601
to be on the sure side1668
to mind out1823
to keep one's powder dry1837
to play it safe1873
to have a care1876
to watch it1916
to watch (or mind) one's step1934
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > [noun] > fixing, establishing > basis of
standing ground1662
on the sure side1668
1668 J. Dryden Sr Martin Mar-all v. 54 I'm resolv'd to be on the sure side, I will have certain proof of his wit before I marry him.
1795 New Ann. Reg. 1794 Brit. & Foreign Hist. 421/2 We can only say, that it is undoubtedly acting on the sure side to stop in time—to think in time.
1856 W. Irving Life Washington III. xcvii. 784 General St Clair chooses to act on the sure side, and risk nothing.
1917 Domest. Beekeeper Jan. 8/2 To be on the sure side and also for the improvement of the honey place it in a dry warm room.
2002 M. Ferrarella Doctor's Secret (2008) ii. 34 Just to be on the sure side, she asked, ‘Where did you get this?’
P6. to make sure.
a.
(a) Followed by a clause or of: to ensure that something specified is done or happens.
ΚΠ
1550 L. Ridley Expos. Philipp. (ii. 3) sig. F.iii He desyred not them that they shulde labor and make sure that he myght be delyuered out of pryson.
1603 S. Harsnett Declar. Popish Impostures 59 They made sure to have a Devil readie at a trice.
1658 J. Spencer Καινα και Παλαια 495 All good Men have made sure, that when they shall come to dye, they have sent their Charity before them.
?1712 I. Newton Let. in Corr. (1975) V. 253 To make sure that this come to you I have charged ye carrier to deliver it with his own hands.
1757 Ten Plagues of Eng. viii. 33 The old Leech will always make sure to be pretty safe in his Bargains.
1874 T. Bruce Summer Queen 320 I'll make sure To girn him like a hare.
1890 Chambers's Jrnl. 3 May 287/2 This allows the man..to make sure of a good grip.
1913 F. A. Talbot Pract. Cinematogr. vii. 85 In threading up the camera it is only necessary to make sure that the image on the negative comes squarely and truly before the window in the gate.
1960 C. S. Lewis Four Loves 138 If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one.
1975 F. Exley Pages from Cold Island xi. 203 I made sure I mixed the drinks so I could prevent Charlotte's going dodo-eyed.
2012 K. Smith Jammy Dodger 151 ‘Make sure she sees that,’ said Fenton, propping the note against the cash register.
(b) Followed by of. To act so as to be certain of getting or winning something specified; to secure something. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > obtain or acquire [verb (transitive)] > make sure of obtaining
to make sure1673
1573 T. Tusser Fiue Hundreth Points Good Husbandry f. 54v Make suer of reapers, get haruest in hand, the corne that is ripe, do but shed as it stand.
1673 W. Temple Let. to Duke Ormond in Miscellanea (1680) 164 A Peace..cannot fail us here provided we make sure of Spain.
1708 F. Atterbury 14 Serm. 89 It hath ever had the warmest, and ablest..heads employ'd in it's defence; and hath taken care to make sure of them, by Bountiful Rewards.
1792 H. H. Brackenridge Mod. Chivalry I. v. ii. 114 I would advise you to make sure of the money in the first place, and take chance for the rest.
1844 R. Browning Colombe's Birthday in Bells & Pomegranates No. VI ii. 9 Let me hasten to make sure Of one true thanker.
1878 R. B. Smith Carthage 293 After making sure of the country to the north of the Ebro.
1988 S. D. Cashman Amer. in Twenties & Thirties (1989) xiv. 565 Russia, eager to make sure of the Baltic, also occupied Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania.
(c) Followed by a clause or of: to make oneself certain that something specified is the case; to ascertain something.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > assure, make certain [verb (transitive)] > establish as fact, ascertain
trowa901
lookc1175
take1469
ascertaina1513
certain1523
favoura1530
establish1533
try1542
try1582
tie1623
secure1630
to make sure1644
true1647
determine1650
determinate1666
authenticate1753
constatea1773
verify1801
validate1957
1644 G. Gillespie Wholesome Severity 9 Searching and making sure that there were none of the servants of the Lord among them.
1660 C. Hoole New Discov. Old Art of teaching Schoole ii. ii. 15 Having therefore made sure that the little Scholars can read very well, and write plainly before-hand, put so many of them as are well able to hold pace together into one form.
1761 A. Murphy All in Wrong ii. 37 I'll follow him, and make sure that he has given me his name rightly.
1878 J. S. Bristowe Treat. Theory & Pract. Med. (ed. 2) ii. vi. 825 To make sure that all the copper has been precipitated.
1889 F. C. Philips Young Ainslie's Courtship I. vii. 87 He just waited for a few hours to make sure of his position.
1934 J. Franklyn This Gutter Life vii. 52 She..simply goes knocking at the door, to make sure the family are really out.
1972 R. Allen Skinhead Girls xvi. 114 Brian tore it into small bits. And had to salvage the damned lot to make sure of the address.
2010 J. McGregor Even Dogs (2011) iv. 127 Once Robert had pulled away and made sure his ear was still there he kicked right off.
(d) Followed by a clause or of: to feel certain that something is, or will be, the case; to be convinced. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1706 tr. Thomas à Kempis Imitation of Christ iii. xlv. 228 How often have I made sure to meet with Fidelity, where I have found none [Fr. souuent nay trouue foy la ont trouuer la cuidoie]!
1886 R. L. Stevenson Kidnapped xxi. 202 He stormed at me all through the lessons..and would push me so close that I made sure he must run me through the body.
1887 W. Westall tr. ‘A. Laurie’ Capt. Trafalgar iv. 49 He suspected nothing, and made quite sure of succeeding.
1893 F. C. Selous Trav. S.-E. Afr. 158 I made sure I should get finer specimens later on.
1901 H. V. Esmond Wilderness i. 19 Still here, Sir Harry? I made sure you'd be gone by now.
b. Without construction: to make something certain as an end or result; to remove the possibility of failure or doubt. Chiefly as infinitive of purpose.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > make certain [verb]
to make sure1565
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > make sure, secure [verb (transitive)]
fand1307
firm1530
to make sure1565
secure1601
warranta1616
assure1622
incertain1628
insure1686
sickera1693
ensure1744
seal1810
guarantee1820
ice1908
1565 W. Allen Def. & Declar. Doctr. Purgatory To Rdr. f. 7 And therefore to make sure, I humbly submit my selfe, to the iudgement of suche..as..are made the lawful pastors of our soules.
1610 L. Andrewes Serm. Preached before His Maiestie 48 To make sure, hee putteth it in a number that encloseth them too.
1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 176 To make sure, he made another Shot at her.
1747 Biographia Britannica I. 34 Mr Addison to make sure, and to prevent any absurdities, which the authors of subsequent Spectators might fall into, resolved to remove that character out of the way.
1798 Gentleman's Mag. June 479/2 I..cauterized the entire surface of the part swelled with my own hand; and, to make sure, applied the knife a second time.
1855 C. Kingsley Heroes (1856) i. iii. 69 At last they struck upon the scent of the blood, and they checked for a moment to make sure.
1884 W. E. Gladstone Let. 1 Aug. in Polit. Corr. Gladstone & Granville 1876–86 (1962) II. 223 Northbrook sticks to his text. He will however see Hartington tomorrow morning to make sure.
1901 F. Norris Octopus i. v. 198 I've been told, but I want to make sure. Savvy?
1950 R. P. Blesh & H. Janis They all played Ragtime (1958) x. 203 I would hear the tunes and, to make sure, go home and ‘woodshed’ them in every key.
1954 J. Kerouac Jrnl. in Windblown World (2004) 362 I ask harder about next train—Soon I see its number—I make sure, asking car-knockers, & get on in dark.
2010 Brides Sept. 174/1 We knew our canapés would help to combat premature drunkenness, but just to make sure, three-quarters of the drinks at the start of the reception were non-alcoholic.
P7. to be sure.
a. Preceding an infinitive or other clause: to be careful to do something; to ensure that one does something. Chiefly in imperative, esp. in be sure to: take care to, don't fail to. Also in to be sure and in later, colloquial use (cf. and conj.1 10).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > care or heed [verb (intransitive)] > take care > to do something
await?c1430
regard1535
to be surec1555
observe1611
consider1646
to look out1655
see1734
c1555 Manifest Detection Diceplay sig. Ciiiv Haue in a redines to be roisted in when time shalbe, your fine chetes of all sorts, be sure to haue in store of such as these be.
1573 T. Tusser Fiue Hundreth Points Good Husbandry (new ed.) f. 5 Then dayly be suer to looke.
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 196 Let him be sure, to leaue other Men their Turnes to speak.
1674 N. Cox Gentleman's Recreation ii. 94 Be sure you seel her not too hard.
1680 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. xii. 208 You must be sure to screw it hard up.
1703 T. Baker Tunbridge-walks v. 61 I'll be sure to send for you, when I have occasion for a new Jump.
1707 J. Freind Acct. Earl of Peterborow's Conduct in Spain 211 Be sure..you answer with an English Halloo.
1780 Mirror No. 98. ⁋15 Be sure to put on your great coat, and to take a chair in coming home.
1865 J. Ruskin Sesame & Lilies i. 25 At least be sure that you go to the author to get at his meaning.
1892 Photogr. Ann. II. 335 Be sure and button the lid.
1910 C. C. Eliot Let. 3 Apr. in T. S. Eliot Lett. (1988) I. 13 You must be sure and secure tickets when the time comes for Father and me to hear your Ode.
1956 M. Dickens Angel in Corner viii. 130 You must be sure to come and see us when you get back to New York.
2010 J. Bennett Dream Hikes Coast to Coast ix. 90 Be sure to close the gate behind you.
b. As a sentence adverbial: (in affirmative use) for a certainty; certainly, undoubtedly, of course; (in concessive use) it must be admitted, indeed. Also in well, to be sure! as an exclamation of surprise (cf. well, I'm sure! at Phrases 9b).In affirmative use now often associated with Irish English.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > of course, certainly [phrase]
to iwissea1000
mid iwissea1000
in wisc1000
to wis(se)c1000
without(en (any) weenc1175
sans fail1297
thereof no strife1297
but werea1300
forouten werea1300
out of werea1300
without werea1300
without deceit1303
for certainc1320
it is to wittingc1320
withouten carec1320
without nayc1330
without noc1330
without (but out of) dread1340
no doubtc1380
without distancec1390
no fresea1400
out of doubta1400
without doubta1400
for, (in, at obs.), of, to (a) certaintyc1400
withouten stance14..
hazel woods shakea1413
of, on, in warrantisec1440
sure enough?1440
without question?1440
wythout diswerec1440
without any dispayrec1470
for (also of) a surety?a1475
in (also for) surenessa1475
of certainc1485
without any (also all) naya1500
out of question?1526
past question?1526
for sure1534
what else1540
beyond (also out of, past, without) (all) peradventure1542
to be a bidden by1549
out of (also without) all cry1565
with a witness1579
upon my word1591
no question1594
out of all suspicion1600
for a certain1608
without scruple1612
to be sure1615
that's pos1710
in course1722
beyond (all) question1817
(and) no mistake1818
no two ways about it (also that)1818
of course1823
bien entendu1844
yessiree1846
you bet you1857
make no mistake1876
acourse1883
sans doute1890
how are you?1918
you bet your bippy1968
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > exclamation of surprise [interjection]
whatOE
well, wellOE
avoyc1300
ouc1300
ay1340
lorda1393
ahaa1400
hillaa1400
whannowc1450
wow1513
why?1520
heydaya1529
ah1538
ah me!a1547
fore me!a1547
o me!a1547
what the (also a) goodyear1570
precious coals1576
Lord have mercy (on us)1581
good heavens1588
whau1589
coads1590
ay me!1591
my stars!a1593
Gods me1595
law1598
Godso1600
to go out1600
coads-nigs1608
for mercy!a1616
good stars!1615
mercy on us (also me, etc.)!a1616
gramercy1617
goodness1623
what next?1662
mon Dieu1665
heugh1668
criminy1681
Lawd1696
the dickens1697
(God, etc.) bless my heart1704
alackaday1705
(for) mercy's sake!1707
my1707
deuce1710
gracious1712
goodly and gracious1713
my word1722
my stars and garters!1758
lawka1774
losha1779
Lord bless me (also you, us, etc.)1784
great guns!1795
mein Gott1795
Dear me!1805
fancy1813
well, I'm sure!1815
massy1817
Dear, dear!1818
to get off1818
laws1824
Mamma mia1824
by crikey1826
wisha1826
alleleu1829
crackey1830
Madonna mia1830
indeed1834
to go on1835
snakes1839
Jerusalem1840
sapristi1840
oh my days1841
tear and ages1841
what (why, etc.) in time?1844
sakes alive!1846
gee willikers1847
to get away1847
well, to be sure!1847
gee1851
Great Scott1852
holy mackerel!1855
doggone1857
lawsy1868
my wig(s)!1871
gee whiz1872
crimes1874
yoicks1881
Christmas1882
hully gee1895
'ullo1895
my hat!1899
good (also great) grief!1900
strike me pink!1902
oo-er1909
what do you know?1909
cripes1910
coo1911
zowiec1913
can you tie that?1918
hot diggety1924
yeow1924
ziggety1924
stone (or stiffen) the crows1930
hullo1931
tiens1932
whammo1932
po po po1936
how about that?1939
hallo1942
brother1945
tie that!1948
surprise1953
wowee1963
yikes1971
never1974
to sod off1976
whee1978
mercy1986
yipes1989
1615 R. Rogers Comm. Bk. Judges xii. 108 Their example shall bee taken vp (to be sure) not onely of them that haue seene them; but also of them who shall come after them, hauing heard of them.
1657 A. Sparrow Rationale Bk. Common Prayer (1661) 4 Morning and Evening, to be sure, God expects from us..a publick worship.
1682 J. Bunyan Holy War 150 If he heard his neighbour tell his tale, to be sure he would tell the quite contrary. View more context for this quotation
1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 47 Neverout. Miss, I'll tell you a Secret, if you'll promise never to tell it again. Miss. No, to be sure.
1778 J. Warner in J. H. Jesse G. Selwyn & his Contemp. (1844) III. 354 Yes! war we shall have to be sure.
1796 Hist. Ned Evans I. 183 The wind is contrary, to be sure, but it is far from a storm.
1847 M. M. Sherwood Fairchild Family III. iii. 32 Well, to be sure, this is a large room.
1853 E. C. Gaskell Ruth III. ix. 242 Ruth..told him she wanted to speak to him for a few minutes. ‘To be sure, my dear! Sit down!’ said he.
1871 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues I. 16 There you are in the right, Socrates, he replied. To be sure, I said.
1902 V. Jacob Sheep-stealers viii. 82 ‘Well, well, to be sure!’ exclaimed the pig-driver.
1913 Eng. Hist. Rev. 28 55 They had, to be sure, patched up their differences, but their sentiments towards each other..were far from cordial.
1993 T. Parker May Lord in His Mercy be Kind to Belfast (1994) i. 5 It's a fine afternoon now to be sure isn't it?
2011 D. O. Stewart Amer. Emperor (2012) iii. 42 He had suffered setbacks, to be sure, but they were the work of enemies, not the result of his own failings.
P8. colloquial. don't (you) be too (also so) sure and variants: don't depend too confidently on something; don't be so certain of that.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > expressions of doubt [phrase]
don't (you) be too (also so) sure1731
I don't rightly know1741
not necessarily1886
where do we go from here?1917
your guess is as good as mine1939
1731 E. Roome et al. Brome's Jovial Crew iii. i. 55 Hill. Sure, by that Smile my Pains are over! Rach. Don't be too sure.
1866 M. Reid Headless Horseman iii. 16 ‘Don't be too sure, all of ye,’ said the surly nephew.
1873 Little Corporal Aug. 50/2 Nora laughed, and said nobody would come to their house for treasure... ‘Don't be so sure,’ said he, teasingly.
1916 G. B. Shaw Pygmalion v. 189 But dont you be too sure that you have me under your feet to be trampled on and talked down.
1942 T. Bailey Pink Camellia xviii. 98 Don't be too sure. You're the girl I want, and I'm going to have you.
1982 P. Redmond Brookside (Mersey TV shooting script) (O.E.D. Archive) Episoded 4. 13 Paul. Huh..she's a fine one to talk..she just doesn't want to go there and so she's determined to make an issue out of it. Annabelle. I wouldn't be so sure. There's some pretty rough looking characters knocking about that place.
1999 R. T. Davies Queer as Folk: Scripts Episode 6. 151 Vince. He's got his own teeth as well. Hazel. Don't be too sure, they've made Poligrip all but invisible, in't that right, Bernard?
P9. colloquial.
a. I'm sure (also I am sure): used at the end of a sentence to emphasize a preceding statement (sometimes with ironic force).
ΚΠ
1807 J. Britton Beauties of Eng. & Wales IX. 465 I don't know I'm sure.
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) ii. 25 It will give me great pleasure, I am sure.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xli. 370 ‘Don't know, I'm shaw,’ replied the Colonel.
1918 A. B. Hall Little Red House in Hollow vi. 104 We are all immensely grateful, I'm sure.
1936 N. Coward To-night at 8.30 II. 40 Me, grumble! I like that, I'm sure. That's rich, that is.
1998 G. Phinn Other Side of Dale (1999) xvi. 178 ‘Well, thanks very much, Brian,’ she replied, clearly very touched by the generous comments. ‘It's very nice to be appreciated, I'm sure.’
b. well, I'm sure!: used as an exclamation of surprise. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > exclamation of surprise [interjection]
whatOE
well, wellOE
avoyc1300
ouc1300
ay1340
lorda1393
ahaa1400
hillaa1400
whannowc1450
wow1513
why?1520
heydaya1529
ah1538
ah me!a1547
fore me!a1547
o me!a1547
what the (also a) goodyear1570
precious coals1576
Lord have mercy (on us)1581
good heavens1588
whau1589
coads1590
ay me!1591
my stars!a1593
Gods me1595
law1598
Godso1600
to go out1600
coads-nigs1608
for mercy!a1616
good stars!1615
mercy on us (also me, etc.)!a1616
gramercy1617
goodness1623
what next?1662
mon Dieu1665
heugh1668
criminy1681
Lawd1696
the dickens1697
(God, etc.) bless my heart1704
alackaday1705
(for) mercy's sake!1707
my1707
deuce1710
gracious1712
goodly and gracious1713
my word1722
my stars and garters!1758
lawka1774
losha1779
Lord bless me (also you, us, etc.)1784
great guns!1795
mein Gott1795
Dear me!1805
fancy1813
well, I'm sure!1815
massy1817
Dear, dear!1818
to get off1818
laws1824
Mamma mia1824
by crikey1826
wisha1826
alleleu1829
crackey1830
Madonna mia1830
indeed1834
to go on1835
snakes1839
Jerusalem1840
sapristi1840
oh my days1841
tear and ages1841
what (why, etc.) in time?1844
sakes alive!1846
gee willikers1847
to get away1847
well, to be sure!1847
gee1851
Great Scott1852
holy mackerel!1855
doggone1857
lawsy1868
my wig(s)!1871
gee whiz1872
crimes1874
yoicks1881
Christmas1882
hully gee1895
'ullo1895
my hat!1899
good (also great) grief!1900
strike me pink!1902
oo-er1909
what do you know?1909
cripes1910
coo1911
zowiec1913
can you tie that?1918
hot diggety1924
yeow1924
ziggety1924
stone (or stiffen) the crows1930
hullo1931
tiens1932
whammo1932
po po po1936
how about that?1939
hallo1942
brother1945
tie that!1948
surprise1953
wowee1963
yikes1971
never1974
to sod off1976
whee1978
mercy1986
yipes1989
1815 C. Dibdin My Spouse & I i. iv. 24 Well, I'm sure—what disdains and indifferencies! But though hur doesn't care for him; hur will make him feel for his want of manners.
1840 W. M. Thackeray Shabby Genteel Story ix ‘Well, I'm sure!’ said Becky; and that was all she said.
1855 Punch 25 Aug. 80/1 (caption) Stout Party: Well, I'm sure! What can possess those skinny creatures to wear round hats, I can't think.
1912 E. Martyn Grangecolman i. 11 Colman. And, besides, I changed my name. Lucius. Well, I'm sure. I always wanted to change mine too, but my wife wouldn't allow me.
P10. Originally Irish English. better (to be) sure than sorry: = better (to be) safe than sorry at safe adj. Phrases 15.
ΚΠ
1826 J. Banim Boyne Water III. x. 314 Howsomever safe we may be among these hills, betther sure than sorry is our word.
1837 S. Lover Rory O'More ii. xxi. 148 ‘Jist countin' them,—is there any harm in that?’ said the tinker: ‘it's betther be sure than sorry.’
1895 Times 5 Feb. 7/1 Why will steamers..persist in holding their respective courses when..there is even a bare possibility of colliding, as, by altering their course but a few points.., the voyage could not be appreciably lengthened, whilst ‘better sure than sorry’?
1914 Wichita Daily Times (Wichita Falls, Texas) 29 Mar. ii. 8/3 (advt.) Values we offer you Monday, will not be here Tuesday and since it is better to be sure than sorry, we advise that you profit by an early visit Monday.
1970 Guardian 15 July 5/4 He had so many calls saying the men were in difficulties that he notified the lifeboat station. ‘I felt it was better sure than sorry,’ he added.
1994 B. Anderson All Nice Girls ii. 26 They had checked and double-checked, laughed at themselves, assured each other they were better to be sure than sorry.

Compounds

C1. Combining with adjectives (esp. participles) to form adjectives.
sure-aimed adj.
ΚΠ
1615 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Cupids Revenge iii. sig. F2v Take from thy Quiuer, suer-aymd Apollo, one of thy swift darts.
1776 W. J. Mickle tr. L. de Camoens Lusiad 150 The sure-aim'd vengeance of the Lusian steel.
1997 H. Hollick Shadow of King iii. iii. 364 Olsac was a good soldier, reliable, strong armed, sure-aimed, though his manners left much to be desired.
sure-founded adj. now rare
ΚΠ
1623 R. Jennings tr. C. Aslakssøn Descr. Heaven iv. 28 By faith stayed Abraham as in a strange land..for hee expected that sure founded Citie [L. civitatem illam habentem fundamenta], whose former and maker was God.
1725 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey I. i. 278 I build my claim Sure-founded on a fair Maternal fame.
1933 A. Waugh Wheels within Wheels iv. 65 When a country's as sure-founded as this one is, nothing can go wrong with it for long.
sure-grounded adj. now rare
ΚΠ
1532 T. More Confut. Tyndales Answere iii. p. cccxiiii An olde cononyke & sure grounded custome of the chyrche.
1708 W. Sewel Large Dict. Eng. & Dutch ii Vastgegrond, sure-grounded.
1909 H. Dudeney Shoulder-knot iii. 119 The woman always believes, but your confidence is sure grounded.
sure-handed adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > having or characterized by bodily skill > skilled with hands
handya1525
fine-fingeredc1555
sure-handed1555
nimble-fingered1629
neat-fingered1641
neat-handed1645
sleight-hand1792
1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions i. vi. sig. F.iiiiv Then occupieng the bowe (wherin they are very sure handed [L. exercitati]) thei kille one another vpon hepes.
1650 R. Baron Pocula Castalia 19 Archer of Heaven, sure-handed Apollo.
1930 M. Mead Growing up in New Guinea iii. 23 The decisive, angry gesture..had taught him to be alert and sure-handed.
2008 N.Y. Times (Nexis) 12 Aug. 18 Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton campaigned for president by offering herself as a sure-handed, competent successor to President Bush.
sure-nosed adj.
ΚΠ
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 151 The White Houndes are said to be the quickest-sented and surest nosed.
1651 W. Davenant Gondibert i. ii. xlv. 27 Sure nos'd as fasting Tygers.
1885 M. Thompson At Love's Extremes viii. 102 That flawless admiration which men reserve for beautiful women and sure-nosed dogs.
1971 Lowell (Mass.) Sun 15 Dec. The tracking of a sure-nosed police dog led to the apprehension of two persons last night.
† sure-presaging adj. Obsolete
ΚΠ
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 109 Lucky sure-presaging auguries [L. secundis..auguriis].
1739 ‘R. Bull’ tr. F. Dedekind Grobianus 141 Tho' frequent Hiccups issue from your Throat, Of Vomiting, a sure presaging Note.
† sure-refuged adj. Obsolete
ΚΠ
1796 S. T. Coleridge Relig. Musings in Poems Var. Subj. 144 Fear,..Sure-refug'd hears his hot pursuing fiends Yell at vain distance.
sure-seeing adj. now rare
ΚΠ
1850 E. P. Whipple Washington & Princ. of Revol. 18 Shakspeare, the sure-seeing poet of human nature.
1903 Studio 27 214 In these pictures the facts are observed by a sure-seeing eye and translated with a sympathetic brush.
sure-set adj. now rare
ΚΠ
1658 T. Meriton Love & War iii. i. sig. Fv Let swift and sure set feet strike off Sloath her entreatie.
1702 C. Beaumont J. Beaumont's Psyche (new ed.) xx. lii. 300 Peace had trode all Perils under Her sure-set feet.
1896 A. E. Housman Shropshire Lad xxxiii. 48 This long and sure-set liking.
1912 Ambition Nov. (verso front cover) Purpose—firm as the sure-set earth—rose from the ashes and took command.
† sure-settled adj. Obsolete
ΚΠ
1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. xxxiv. 640 Nature..is a steady and suresettled Lawe [Fr. vne loy stable & ferme].
† sure-steeled adj. Obsolete
ΚΠ
a1625 J. Fletcher Bonduca iii. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Hhhh/1 Thou sure-steel'd sternness, Give us this day good hearts, good enemies, good blowes o' both sides.
C2.
sure bet n. (originally in gambling contexts) a bet which is certain to pay off; (later more generally) a certainty; a secure prospect; an option or course that is judged to involve no risk (cf. safe bet n. at safe adj. Compounds 2, sure thing n.).In early use probably not a fixed collocation; cf. bet n.2 1a.
ΚΠ
a1732 J. Gay Distress'd Wife (1743) iii. vi. 46 You might have said three, and had a sure Bet on't.
1788 J. Wimpey Let. 18 Oct. in County Mag. Nov. 170/1 The gentleman is for making a sure bet.
1867 Every Sat. 22 June 788/2 Clang! clang! clang goes the bell as merrily as though it had a sure bet on the race.
1886 Proc. Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Masons Utah 121 If a prize was offered..and left to a vote of the readers, it would be a sure bet that Bro. Hedges would get away with it.
1920 J. B. Connolly Hiker Joy 92 Out of water goes her periscope again and the Herr Kapitan has another look, and it's a sure bet then he's all set to blow up the works.
1981 Bon Appétit Nov. 48/2 When buying wine..there are certain sure bets.
2008 New Yorker 13 Oct. 112/3 The 2008 Democratic campaigns were staffing up in foreign policy in 2006, when Hillary Clinton looked like a sure bet to be the Party's nominee.
sure card n. now rare a means, method, or expedient that can be relied on to attain an intended end; a person whose agency, or the use of whose name, will ensure success. [Originally with allusion to holding a card that ensures victory in a card game; compare card n.2 2.]
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > [noun] > something easily done or acquired
sure card?1562
sure thing1836
open-and-shut1841
cinch1888
cert1889
snipa1890
pinch1897
lead-pipe1898
sitter1898
stone ginger1936
slam dunk1984
?1562 Thersytes sig. E.i Nowe thys is a sure carde, nowe I maye well saye.
1580 J. Lyly Euphues (new ed.) To Rdrs. sig. Bi A cleare conscience is a sure card.
1590 R. Harvey Plaine Percevall sig. C2v To get a sure card on their side, either calles for Iustice.
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew A sure Card, a trusty Tool, or Confiding Man.
1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews II. iv. ii. 187 We have one sure Card, which is to carry him before Justice Trolick.
1836 C. Dickens Let. ?22 Aug. (1965) I. 167 Harley wrote, when he had read the whole of the opera, saying ‘It's a sure card—nothing wrong there’.
1872 J. P. Kennedy Quodlibet (ed. 3) i. 40 Consider me a sure card in that line.
1967 Saskatoon Star-Phoenix 16 Jan. 5/6 In the present political context, his opponents are playing a sure card in claiming that the CNTU is a strictly Quebec organization.
surefire adj. colloquial (originally U.S.) (a) designating a reliable or accurate firearm; spec. designating a gun which reliably discharges blanks, used as a stage prop (now rare); (b) (usually in extended use) certain to succeed or attain the desired end, guaranteed.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > [adjective] > certain to succeed
unfailingc1400
unfailablea1525
indefectible1659
infallible1711
indefeatablea1754
surefire1838
undisappointable1871
sure-shot1895
slam dunk1980
1838 Southern Literary Messenger Aug. 489/2 ‘Is your old firelock in prime order?’ ‘Aye..she is sure fire.’
1846 L. A. Morrell Amer. Shepherd App. 431 The best remedy for this disease is, first, paring the hoofs closely,..[etc.]. This is ‘sure fire’.
1912 Variety 18 May 8/2 The Rev. William Sunday (Billy) the evangelist or sure-fire evangelist, has done one of the worst ‘financial flops’ in the history of his travels.
1929 Billboard 22 June 12/4 [The show] opens with a bang from a sure-fire revolver.
1930 D. Mackail How Amusing 68 I don't say it was new, but it was a sure-fire laugh.
1930 D. Canfield Deepening Stream 61 Daily she heard Mrs. Whitlock sticking little pins of ironic comment into..the phrases which he had always counted as sure-fire.
1983 Listener 16 June 8/1 The search for a sure-fire hit in American network television engages thousands of minds and millions of dollars every year.
2002 P. Long Guide to Rural Wales ii. 45 The Tarzan Trail Adventure Playground is a surefire winner with young visitors.
sure-grip adj. (of an object) designed to grip something firmly, or to provide a firm, secure grip; non-slip.A proprietary name for a number of products of various types.
ΚΠ
1890 Mich. Engineer's Ann. 148 (advt.) The Detroit Sure-Grip Steel Tackle Block.
1895 Daily Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica) 11 Mar. 2/2 (advt.) The ‘Falcon’ Racket—with the new ‘sure grip’ handle.
1925 Boys' Life Jan. 55/3 (advt.) Their [sc. the basket-ball shoes'] sure-grip sole is specially designed to enable the speedy player to make quick pivots.
1942 Daily Herald (Biloxi, Mississippi) 16 Apr. 14/6 (advt.) Big Value Lawn Mower... Self-sharpening blades, sure-grip wheels, and hardwood handle.
1988 D. L. Bever Safety (ed. 2) iv. 78 Wear..sure-grip gloves..when cutting wood.
2009 Sunday Mail (Glasgow) (Nexis) 20 Dec. (Features section) 5 [The toaster] also has a frozen bread function, sure-grip controls and a bun rack.
† sure-hold n. Obsolete (in Biblical contexts, with reference to God's promises) something reliable or certain; a guarantee.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > [noun] > pledge or assurance > (good) faith
truthOE
sure-hold1622
1622 E. Chaloner Sixe Serm. 204 The promises of God are sure hold, they are, Yea and Amen.
1650 J. Trapp Clavis to Bible (Exod. xii. 41) 40 His promises are good sure-hold.
sure-shot adj. colloquial (originally U.S.) certain to succeed or attain the desired end, guaranteed; cf. surefire adj., shot n.1 10c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > [adjective] > certain to succeed
unfailingc1400
unfailablea1525
indefectible1659
infallible1711
indefeatablea1754
surefire1838
undisappointable1871
sure-shot1895
slam dunk1980
1895 Burlington (Iowa) Hawk-eye 14 June 8/3 Peter Martin..thinks, after figuring on the time tables and distances, that he has a sure shot winner in his wager.
1907 Foundry Feb. 424/2 Lycopodium is no longer the only sure-shot, reliable, never-miss-parting material.
2010 Sunday Tel. (Austral.) (Nexis) 3 Oct. (Sport section) 98 Saina's fiery performance, coupled with the lack of any real competition, equals a sure shot medal for India.
† sure-slow adj. Obsolete slow but deliberate or inexorable; cf. slowly but surely at surely adv. and int. Phrases, slow-sure at slow adj. Compounds 1b.
ΚΠ
1680 N. Tate Loyal General v. 55 The sure-slow Poison now Preys on my Vitals.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2015; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

surev.

Brit. /ʃʊə/, /ʃɔː/, U.S. /ʃʊ(ə)r/, /ʃər/, /ʃɔr/
Forms: Middle English seuer, Middle English seuere, Middle English seure, Middle English sewer, Middle English sewre, Middle English sewyr, Middle English suer, Middle English suyr, Middle English swere, Middle English– sure, 1600s 'sur'd (past participle), 1700s seer (English regional (Yorkshire)), 1700s– 'sure, 1800s– sear (English regional (Yorkshire)), 1800s– 'zure (English regional (Devon)); also Scottish 1500s severit (past participle), 1500s sewarat (past participle), 1500s sewerat (past participle), 1500s sewerit (past participle), 1500s suirit (past participle).
Origin: Probably of multiple origins. Probably partly formed within English, by conversion. Probably partly a variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymons: sure adj.; assure v.
Etymology: Probably partly < sure adj., and partly aphetic < assure v. Compare Anglo-Norman and Middle French seurer (French †seurer ) to guarantee, pledge (12th cent. in Anglo-Norman), to make safe (13th cent. or earlier), to assure (14th cent. or earlier), Old Occitan segurar (12th cent.), Spanish segurar , Portuguese segurar , Italian sicurare (all 13th cent.). Compare sover v.
†1.
a. transitive. With infinitive as complement: to give an assurance or promise to (a person) about the performance of a service or action. Also with the thing promised as direct object and the recipient of the promise as indirect object. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)] > pledge or undertake to give or do > give one's word to
sicker1297
surec1400
ensure1413
aplighta1450
insurea1500
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. v. l. 547 Conscience and kynde witte..deden me suren hym sikerly to serue hym for euere.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Merlin (1913) II. l. 12386 And also anothir thing sche schold hym Sure: That harm to his body scholde sche neuere do.
?a1525 (?a1475) Play Sacrament l. 279 in N. Davis Non-Cycle Plays & Fragm. (1970) 67 I woll sure yow be thys lyght, Neuer dystre[n] yow daye nor nyght.
b. transitive. In passive. To be bound by a promise or pledge; spec. to be engaged, to be betrothed. Frequently with to. Cf. sure adj. 8a. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise, vow, or pledge [verb (intransitive)] > be bound
swearc1050
plighta1325
surec1425
to be conjured1583
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > betrothal > engage oneself to marry [verb (intransitive)] > be betrothed
plighta1325
surec1425
promise1548
betrotha1592
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iii. l. 4087 (MED) Fortune..Troylus..hast ouer-þrowe..From his lady to make him for to twynne Whan he best wende for to haue be surid.
a1450 (?c1421) J. Lydgate Siege Thebes (Arun.) (1911) l. 2234 He sured was and sworn To Tydeus.
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope f. cxlij A wydower wowed a wydowe for to haue and Wedde her to his wyf, And at the last they were agreed and sured to gyder.
a1500 Partenay (Trin. Cambr.) l. 5087 (MED) In noble Bretain gan he to mary, Affyed and sured to A gret lady.
?1550 N. Lesse tr. Erasmus Censure & Iudgement Dyuorsemente sig. C.v Matrymony, which is but agred vpon, and sured betwene the partes.
a1600 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) II. 42 Quho had bene constranit..to be severit [c1600 suirit] and tak on the reid crose and obey thame selfis to be trew subiectis to king Harrie.
c. transitive. To pledge (one's faith or troth). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)] > bind by a promise
conjurec1290
to speak for ——a1300
avow1303
adjurea1425
surec1460
arrest1489
gage1489
insure1530
pledge1571
fiance1592
objure1609
sacrament1621
attest1685
c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 1486 I suyr ȝew my trowith..That I shall do my devoir.
a1475 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Godstow Nunnery (1905) i. 170 Henry, than stywarde of Godestowe, suryd hys trowthe for the Abbas & couent þys couenant to be kepyd.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xxxi. 628 (MED) Than thei sured theire feithes be-twene hem two to holde these covenauntes.
†2. transitive. To make or keep safe; to secure or protect. Frequently with from or of, specifying a danger. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > make safe or secure [verb (transitive)]
stablishc1384
assure1413
sure?a1425
secure1587
assecurea1600
trench1601
safe1602
insafe1628
retrench1705
?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 54 (MED) Þe alterate blode of þe þing infixed oweþ to be put oute þat þe wonde be sured of putrefaccioun.
?c1430 (c1383) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 14 Whanne þei..suren hem of al perel.
1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) III. 412 That halie place wes suirit..Fra fyre, bot nocht fra spulȝe and fra reif.
1543 ( Chron. J. Hardyng (1812) 316 Through a mosse, yt all men trowed was sured.
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 108 And with thair handis thay sall the sure, That thow hurt nocht aganis ane craig Thy fute.
3. transitive. To make (a person) sure; to assure. Also in phrases used parenthetically to emphasize the truth of a statement, as I sure you.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > assure, make certain [verb (transitive)]
certify1340
assure1393
surec1460
ascertain1490
recognosce1533
secure1602
sickera1693
vouch1780
c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 1886 I suyr þe be my fey, That þow art much I-bound to me.
a1500 tr. Lady Prioress in J. O. Halliwell Select. Minor Poems J. Lydgate (1840) 112 Fyrst I wyll be sewyred, That ower cownselle ye wylle kepe.
a1550 in R. Dyboski Songs, Carols & Other Misc. Poems (1908) 9/2 He was born of a virgyn pure,..as I you sure.
1624 T. Heywood Γυναικεῖον vii. 319 Whether she equiuocated or no, I am not certaine, only this I am most sured of, That she hath left a precedent behind her to all succeeding wiues.
1739 Gentleman's Mag. June 322/1 Sue, I 'sure you, has a taste for snuff.
1873 J. Wood Ceres Races 16 Ise sure ye sir, in whatna clime Would folk no dance to cheer the time.
a1945 E. R. Eddison Mezentian Gate (1958) iii. 31 He stood for a minute..before the great mirror.., as if to sure himself of his continuing bodily presence and verity.
1993 J. Womack Random Acts of Senseless Violence 196 I tried calling Iz to sure myself that she's safe but nobody answers.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2015; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.adv.int.c1330v.c1400
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