adverb
surely
Certainly, or used to express strong expectation or seek agreement.
Surely we have enough time to finish this before dinner.
Etymology
Sure developed from safety into certainty. Surely expresses that confidence or invites another person to confirm an expected conclusion.
More examples
- You surely remember the house where we grew up.
- Surely you don't expect me to carry all these boxes?
- Your patience and hard work will surely pay off.
Forms
sure adjective — Certain that something is true or correct.
Similar words
- certainly
- States certainty more directly, without necessarily seeking the listener's agreement.
- undoubtedly
- Emphasizes lack of doubt rather than asking for agreement.