How to pronounce sure
Say it like SHOOR. Sure is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- SHOOR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sure pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SHOORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
American vs British pronunciation of sure
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SHAW.
What does sure mean?
- Physically secure and certain, non-failing, reliable.“This investment is a sure thing.”
- Certain in one's knowledge or belief.“Are you sure to succeed, as polls say?, Well, I am at least certain of making it to the podium this time.”
- Certain to act or be a specified way.“Be sure to lock the door when you leave.”
- Without doubt, certainly.“Sure he's coming! Why wouldn't he?”
- Yes; of course.“"Could you tell me where the washrooms are?" "Sure, they're in the corner over there."”
- Yes; I guess; you could say that; a weak or noncommittal positive response.“"Do you like cats?" "Sure."”
- You're welcome; polite response to being thanked.“"Thanks for helping me with that electrical fault." "Sure. Any time."”
Where does sure come from?
Displaced native Middle English wis, iwis (“certain, sure”) (from Old English ġewis, ġewiss (“certain, sure”)), as well as Middle English siker (“sure, secure”) (from Old English sicor (“secure, sure”)) with which it was cognate.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with sure
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sure.
Questions about saying sure
How do you pronounce sure?
Say SHOOR. The American pronunciation is /ʃʊr/. In British English it is /ʃɔː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sure?
Sure is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SHOOR.
Is sure pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ʃɔː/ (SHAW).