sure

UK: ʃʊə | US: ʃʊr

Definition

  1. adj. confident in one's knowledge or belief

  2. adj. certain to occur or be true

  3. adj. reliable; trustworthy

Structure
sur <secure>e <adjective suffix>sur <secure>e <adjective suffix>
Etymology

sure = sur<secure> + e<adjective suffix>

  • sur<secure>: Derived from Latin securus (free from care, safe), via Old French seur. The spelling shifted to "sure" in Middle English.
  • e<adjective suffix>: A common adjectival ending in English, often retained from Latin/French forms.

Etymology Origin:
The word "sure" traces back to Latin securus (se- "without" + cura "care"), implying a state of confidence or safety. Through Old French seur, it entered Middle English as "sure," retaining the core idea of certainty. The spelling simplified over time, but the meaning remained tied to reliability and absence of doubt.

Examples

  1. Are you sure about the meeting time?

  2. She gave a sure answer without hesitation.

  3. This method is a sure way to solve the problem.

  4. He’s sure to win the competition with his skills.

  5. The old bridge doesn’t feel very sure anymore.