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Definition of surely

surely

/ˈʃʊr.li/
sure · ly
Adjective:sure
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surely Lexical Profile

surely Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

Used to emphasize the speaker's firm belief that what they are saying is true and often their surprise or disbelief that there is any doubt of this.

Example

"Surely they would have called by now if their flight had been delayed."

2

In a firm, steady, and confident manner, without risk of failing or slipping.

Example

"Slowly but surely, the conservation project began to restore the local wetland ecosystem."

3

North American Used as an affirmative response to a question or request to mean 'certainly' or 'of course'.

Example

""Could you pass me that reference book?" "Surely, here you go.""

Synonyms
View all synonyms for surely
Antonyms
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• Rhymes for surely

• Nearby Words

surefooted
surefootedly
surefootedness
surely
sureness
surety
surf

Word Origin & Etymology

Recorded in Middle English as 'sureli', formed from the adjective 'sure' (borrowed from Old French 'seur', from Latin 'securus' meaning 'free from care or safe') combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Surely. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/surely
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