surelyadverb
uk/ˈʃɔː.li/us/ˈʃʊr.li/B2 used to express that you are certain or almost certain about something:
The problem surely lies in the design of the equipment.
US formal "May I sit here?" "Surely." (= Yes, certainly.)
Without more food and medical supplies, these people will surely not survive.
B2 used to express surprise that something has happened or is going to happen:
Surely you don't expect me to believe that?
Surely you're not going out on a night like this?
More examples
- This latest injury must surely mean that her tennis career is now at an end .
- He's running so well, surely he'll take the gold.
- Greater international stability can surely only be to the good.
- The actors are very good, but when all is considered the laurels must surely go to the director of the play.
- Overeating is surely the main cause of obesity.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Confidence & self-assurance
- amour propre
- aplomb
- assertive
- assertiveness training
- assured
- brass
- breezy
- dogmatic
- dogmatism
- dogmatist
- ego
- forwardness
- hold your head (up) high idiom
- positively
- rakish
- safe
- sassy
- self-assertive
- self-assured
- self-belief
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Expressions of surprise