01 a. Certainly knowing and believing; confident beyond doubt; implicity trusting; unquestioning; positive.
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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.
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2.
Certain to find or retain; as, to be sure of game; to be sure of success; to be sure of life or health.
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3.
Fit or worthy to be depended on; certain not to fail or disappoint expectation; unfailing; strong; permanent; enduring.“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.
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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.
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5.
Free from danger; safe; secure.“Fear not; the forest is not three leagues off; If we recover that we are sure enough.” — Shak.“She that's made sure to him she loves not well.” — Cotgrave.
Phrases & compounds
To be sure —
certainly; without doubt; as, Shall you do? To be sure I shall.
To make sure —
To make certain; to secure so that there can be no failure of the purpose or object.