Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Sure
Sure
,Adj.
[
Com
par.
Surer
; sup
erl.
Surest
.] 1.
Certainly knowing and believing; confident beyond doubt; implicity trusting; unquestioning; positive.
We are
sure
that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. Rom. ii. 2.
I’m
sure
care 's an enemy of life. Shakespeare
2.
Certain to find or retain;
as, to be
. sure
of game; to be sure
of success; to be sure
of life or health3.
Fit or worthy to be depended on; certain not to fail or disappoint expectation; unfailing; strong; permanent; enduring.
“His sure word.” Keble.
The Lord will certainly make my lord a
sure
house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the Lord. 1 Sam. xxv. 28.
The testimony of the Lord is
sure
. Ps. xix. 7.
Which put in good
sure
leather sacks. Chapman.
4.
Betrothed; engaged to marry.
[Obs.]
The king was
sure
to Dame Elizabeth Lucy, and her husband before God. Sir T. More.
I presume . . . that you had been
sure
as fast as faith could bind you, man and wife. Brome.
5.
Free from danger; safe; secure.
Fear not; the forest is not three leagues off;
If we recover that we are
– If we recover that we are
sure
enough. Shakespeare
To be sure
, or Be sure
certainly; without doubt; as, Shall you do? To be sure I shall.
– To make sure
. (a)
To make certain; to secure so that there can be no failure of the purpose or object.
“Make Cato sure.” Addison.
“A peace can not fail, provided we make sure of Spain.” Sir W. Temple.
(b)
To betroth.
[Obs.]
She that's
made sure
to him she loves not well. Cotgrave.
Syn. – Certain; unfailing; infallible; safe; firm; permanent; steady; stable; strong; secure; indisputable; confident; positive.
Sure
,adv.
In a sure manner; safely; certainly.
“Great, sure, shall be thy meed.” Spenser.
'T is pleasant,
sure
, to see one's name in print. Byron.
Webster 1828 Edition
Sure
SURE
,Adj.
1.
Certain; unfailing; infallible. The testimony of the Lord is sure. Ps.19.
We have also a more sure word of prophecy. 2 Pet.1.
2.
Certainly knowing, or having full confidence. We are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth-- Rom.2.
Now we are sure that thou knowest all things. John 16.
3.
Certain; safe; firm; permanent. Thy kingdom shall be sure to thee. Dan.4.
4.
Firm; stable; steady; not liable to failure, loss or change; as a sure covenant. 2 Sam. 23. Neh.9. Is.28. The Lord will make my lord a sure house. 1 Sam.25.
So we say, to stand sure, to be sure of foot.
5.
Certain of obtaining or of retaining; as, to be sure of game; to be sure of success; to be sure of life or health.6.
Strong; secure; not liable to be broken or disturbed. Go your way, make it as sure as ye can. Math.27.
7.
Certain; not liable to failure. The income is sure.To be sure, or be sure, certainly. Shall you go? be sure I shall.
To make sure, to make certain; to secure so that there can be no failure of the purpose or object.
Make sure of Cato.
A peace cannot fail, provided we make sure of Spain.
Give all diligence to make your calling and election sure. 2 Pet. 1.
SURE
,adv.
Sure the queen would wish him still unknown.
[But in this sense, surely is more generally used.]