See Also: surely(dictionary)
surely(dictionary)

surely (oh)



[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?
surely not
spoken used to show you cannot believe that something is true
::'The chairman's just handed in his resignation.' 'Surely not.'
formal certainly
::Such sinners will surely be punished.
AmE old-fashioned used to say 'yes' to someone or to express agreement with them
-see also slowly but surely at slowly (2)
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WORD CHOICE: surely, definitely, certainly, naturally, be sure to
Use 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).