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surely

adverb (surely)

«surely» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

Everyday

  1. Surely means for certain, with no doubt. tree →
  2. Surely is often used when you think something must be true and are surprised it might not be: surely you know that! tree →
  3. Slowly but surely means slowly but steadily. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: a story word for certainty; in reasoning problems «surely» means in every case, even the worst one: how many must you pick to surely get two of a kind. In life: «surely» shows strong belief. Phrases: slowly but surely, surely not, surely you can.

Examples

  • How many must you pick to surely get 2 blue? tree →
  • Surely he has more than 10 coins. tree →
  • The bag will surely hold 5 more apples. tree →
  • Which statement is surely true? tree →
  • Surely you don't want to go out in this rain! tree →
  • Slowly but surely, the tortoise won the race. tree →
  • If we leave now, we will surely be on time. tree →
  • Surely not! Did he really eat ten pancakes? tree →
  • Surely they will not overlook you." tree →

Note

Adverb from «sure». In questions and exclamations it shows surprise (surely you remember?) and does not always mean «certainly». Asks for a result that holds in every case; think of the worst luck. Otherwise no clue.

In Jewish tradition

In "surely die" and "surely be put to death," it copies the Hebrew way of saying "die, die" to mean definitely.

Interpretation. The rabbis said the Torah speaks in the language of people, and they read repeated forms as stressing a firm command.

Examples

  • Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death. (Torah EXO.22.19, JPS 1917) tree →
  • And the serpent said unto the woman: 'Ye shall not surely die; (Torah GEN.3.4, JPS 1917) tree →
  • For except we had lingered, surely we had now returned a second time.' (Torah GEN.43.10, JPS 1917) tree →
  • Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind. (Writings ECC.4.16, JPS 1917) tree →
  • And Agag said: 'Surely the bitterness of death is at hand.' (Prophets 1SA.15.32, JPS 1917) tree →
  • He will surely reprove you, if ye do secretly show favour. (Writings JOB.13.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adverb from «sure». In questions and exclamations it shows surprise (surely you remember?) and does not always mean «certainly». Asks for a result that holds in every case; think of the worst luck. Otherwise no clue.

On Mova

This page in Markdown → https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/surely/