Definition

Adverb 1. As expected; exactly as predicted or anticipated: Used to confirm that something happened exactly as one thought it would. 2. Without a doubt; certainly: Used to emphasize that something is definitely true or will definitely happen.

Usage Examples

• Confirming an expectation:

  • I thought it would rain, and sure enough, it started pouring.
  • He said he'd be late, and sure enough, he arrived an hour after the meeting started.

• Emphasizing certainty:

  • Will you be there? I'll be there, sure enough.
  • The plan was risky, but it worked sure enough.

Advanced Usage Notes

• The phrase "sure enough" is often used to introduce a clause that provides evidence confirming a previous statement, suspicion, or prediction. It typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause, followed by a comma.
• It can convey a tone of vindication or satisfaction when a prediction comes true.

Variants and Related Phrases

• For sure: (adverbial phrase) Definitely, certainly.
  • I know for sure that she is coming.
• Sure as shooting: (informal adverbial phrase) Without any doubt; for certain.
  • He'll be angry, sure as shooting.
• Certainly / Surely: (adverbs) These are more formal synonyms often used in similar contexts to express certainty.

Synonyms

• Certainly
• Definitely
• Indeed
• As expected
• Without a doubt

Antonyms

• Uncertainly
• Doubtfully
• Unexpectedly

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To be sure: This is a related phrase used to concede a point or to emphasize agreement, often before adding contrasting information.
  • He is talented, to be sure, but he lacks experience.
  • Note: "To be sure" functions differently than "sure enough." It is used for concession or emphasis, not primarily to confirm an expectation.

Adverb

1. definitely or positively (`sure' is sometimes used informally for `surely')
   • the results are surely encouraging
   • she certainly is a hard worker
   • it's going to be a good day for sure
   • they are coming, for certain
   • they thought he had been killed sure enough
   • he'll win sure as shooting
   • they sure smell good
   • sure he'll come
2. as supposed or expected
   • sure enough, he asked her for money again