Deeper Dive: sure

sure adjective [comparative Surer; superlative Surest.] [OE. sur, OF. seür, F. sûr, L. securus; se aside, without + cura care. See Secure, and cf. Assure, Insure, Sicker sure.]

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. Shak.
2. Certain to find or retain; as, to be sure of game; to be sure of success; to be sure of life or health.

3. 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 sure enough. Shak.
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 adverb 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's unabridged 1913





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