surely

[shoor-lee, shur-]

adverb

1. firmly; unerringly; without missing, slipping, etc.

2. undoubtedly, assuredly, or certainly.

   The results are surely encouraging.

3. (in emphatic utterances that are not necessarily sustained by fact) assuredly.

   Surely you are mistaken.

4. inevitably or without fail.

   Slowly but surely the end approached.

5. yes, indeed.

   Surely, I'll go with you!

surely

/ ˈʃɔː-, ˈʃʊəlɪ /

adverb

1. without doubt; assuredly

   things could surely not have been worse

2. without fail; inexorably (esp in the phrase slowly but surely )

3. (sentence modifier) am I not right in thinking that?; I am sure that

   surely you don't mean it?

4. rare,  in a sure manner

5. archaic,  safely; securely

6. (sentence substitute) willingly; of course; yes

Confusables Note

See sure.

Word History and Origins

Origin of surely¹

First recorded in 1300–50, surely is from the Middle English word surliche. See sure, -ly

Example Sentences

Mace surely knows this is a lie — ask E. Jean Carroll.

From Salon

Her Netflix deal may have been downgraded to “first look,” but it’s a big entertainment company; surely there is something she could do.

From Los Angeles Times

They may back his authoritarian agenda, but surely would welcome the chance to never speak to or smell the man again.

From Salon

It will surely get worse…But it’s clear today America is different and, even if we fight our way back, it will never be the same again.

From Salon

If Liverpool were tipped as champions before this blockbuster outlay, surely title number 21 is now a formality?

From BBC

Related Words

• absolutely 
• assuredly 
• certainly 
• clearly 
• definitely 
• evidently 
• indeed 
• inevitably 
• inexorably 
• plainly www.thesaurus.com
• undoubtedly 
• unquestionably