sure-enough
/'ʃuəi'nʌf/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Genuine, real, authentic: Used to emphasize that something or someone is truly what they are claimed or appear to be, not an imitation or substitute.
- Actual, verifiable: Used to confirm that something is indeed the case, often following a claim or expectation.
Usage
- The adjective sure-enough is used attributively (before a noun) for strong emphasis, particularly in informal American English. It functions as an intensifier to stress authenticity.
- It often appears in storytelling or descriptive language to add vividness and credibility.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- For narrative emphasis: Commonly used in spoken narratives or informal writing to build a sense of realness and immediacy.
- He told us a tall tale, but the gold coin in his hand was sure-enough proof.
- As a confirmatory response: Can be used in dialogue as a standalone adjective phrase for agreement or confirmation.
- "Is he the champion?" "Sure-enough."
Variants and Related Words
- Honest-to-goodness (adj): A near-identical synonym, also used for emphasis on genuineness.
- It was an honest-to-goodness miracle.
- Real (adj): The more common and standard synonym without the emphatic, informal flavor.
- Genuine (adj): Emphasizes authenticity and lack of falseness.
Synonyms
- Actual: Existing in fact, real.
- Bona fide: Authentic, sincere.
- Certifiable: Able to be confirmed as true or genuine.
Antonyms
- Fake: Not genuine; imitation or counterfeit.
- Bogus: Not authentic or true; fake.
- Pretend: Not real; imagined or simulated.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- The real McCoy: An idiom meaning the genuine article, not a substitute or imitation. This is conceptually similar to sure-enough.
- This signature isn't a forgery; it's the real McCoy.
Adjective
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(used informally especially for emphasis)
-
a real honest-to-god live cowboy
-
had us a high old time
-
went upriver to look at a sure-enough fish wheel
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