surely
/ˈʃʊəli
/ /ˈʃɔːli /adverb
1 [sentence adverb] Used to emphasize the speaker’s firm belief that what they are saying is true and often their surprise that there is any doubt of this: if there is no will, then surely the house goes automatically to you...
- True devotees surely know that there can be no compromise with them.
- Those to whom a well struck word rings out straight and true will surely be aware that disenable is not a real word.
- If this is true, surely each outlet should be doing all it can to ensure holiday-makers make return visits.
Synonyms
it must be the case that, I believe that, assuredly, without question
informal don't tell me that … not …
1.1Without doubt; certainly: if he did not heed the warning, he would surely die...
- At the same time, these methods surely contain certain errors and assumptions.
- I've been trying to look out for it and will surely die if I miss it again.
- If he didn't hurry, there would be nowhere to hide, and he and Anne would surely die.
Synonyms
certainly, for certain, for sure, to be sure, definitely, undoubtedly, without doubt, doubtless, beyond any/the shadow of a doubt, indubitably, unquestionably, incontestably, irrefutably, incontrovertibly, undeniably, without fail, inevitably, unavoidably
informal sure
1.2 [as exclamation] North American informal Of course; yes: ‘You’ll wait for me?’ ‘Surely.’
2With assurance or confidence: no one knows how to move the economy quickly and surely in that direction...
- She walked firmly and surely, every footstep getting stronger, and went to the door.
- However, to move slowly and surely, you had to have a great deal of confidence.
Synonyms
firmly, steadily, confidently, solidly, securely, unhesitatingly, unfalteringly, unswervingly, determinedly, doggedly, assuredly