sure

Etymology

From Middle English sure, seur, sur, from Middle French sur or Old French seür, from Latin sēcūrus (“secure”, literally “carefree”), from sē- (“apart”) + cūra (“care”) (compare Old English orsorg (“carefree”), from or- (“without”) + sorg (“care”)). See cure. Doublet of secure and the now obsolete or dialectal sicker (“certain, safe”). Displaced native Middle English wis, iwis (“certain, sure”) (from Old English ġewis, ġewiss (“certain, sure”)), Middle English siker (“sure, secure”) (from Old English sicor (“secure, sure”)) with which was cognate.

adj

1. Physically secure and certain, non-failing, reliable.
   This investment is a sure thing. The bailiff had a sure grip on the prisoner's arm.
2. Certain in one's knowledge or belief.
   Roy: I'm 95% sure it was him. Jen: You... you said you were 99% sure. Roy: I'm 97% sure it was him. 2008 November 21, Graham Linehan, The IT Crowd, Season 3, Episode 1
   She is sure of herself.
   He is sure she was lying.
   He was sure of being a finalist.
   They aren't completely sure who will attend.
   You seemed sure that the car was his.
3. (followed by a to infinitive) Certain to act or be a specified way.
   Be sure to lock the door when you leave.
4. (obsolete) Free from danger; safe; secure.
5. (obsolete) Betrothed; engaged to marry.
   c. 1513-1518 (probably date written, published after 1535) Thomas More, History of King Richard III The king was sure to Dame Elizabeth Lucy, and her husband before God.
   I presum'd […] [that] you had been sure, as fast as faith could bind you, man and wife. 1632, Richard Brome, The Northern Lass

adv

1. (modal adverb) Without doubt, certainly.
   Sure he's coming! Why wouldn't he?
   "Did you kill that bear yourself?" ―"I sure did!"
   These high and gusty relishes of life, sure, Have no allayings of mortality in them. 1802, Charles Lamb, John Woodvil
2. (archaic) Without fail, surely.

intj

1. Yes, expressing noncommittal agreement or consent.
   "Do you want me to put this in the garage?" "Sure, go ahead."
2. Yes; of course.
   "Could you tell me where the washrooms are?" "Sure, they're in the corner over there."
3. You're welcome; polite response to being thanked.
   "Thanks for helping me with that electrical fault." "Sure. Any time."