- surely
- sure|lyW2S1 [ˈʃo:li US ˈʃurli] adv1.) [sentence adverb]used to show that you think something must be true, especially when people seem to be disagreeing with you▪ You must have heard about the riots, surely?▪ There must surely be some explanation.▪ Surely we can't just stand back and let this happen?2.) surely notspoken used to show you cannot believe that something is true▪ 'The chairman's just handed in his resignation.' 'Surely not.'3.) formal certainly▪ Such sinners will surely be punished.4.) AmE old-fashioned used to say 'yes' to someone or to express agreement with them▬▬▬▬▬▬▬WORD CHOICE: surely, definitely, certainly, naturally, be sure toUse surely to say that you think something must be true, especially when other people do not agree : They should be there by now, surely.Use definitely to say that something is certain to happen or be true : I will definitely be back (NOT I will surely be back) by ten.Use certainly to emphasize that something is true : He certainly is (NOT surely is) a great cook.Use naturally to mean 'as anyone would expect' : They were very late, so naturally I was (NOT surely I was) worried.Use be sure to to say that something is certain to happen : If you work hard you are sure to succeed (NOT you will surely succeed).▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.