Surely

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈʃɔːli/

Definitions

1. Without question; in a way that expresses certainty or confidence about something being true or happening
2. Without a doubt
3. in a manner that conveys assurance or conviction regarding the truth or occurrence of an event

Etymology: "Surely" is a plain formation: the adjective "sure" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" added. "Sure" came into English from Old French "seür," from Latin "securus," meaning "free from care," which is also the source of "secure." So the root idea is freedom from worry, and the word has carried a sense of confidence since its beginnings. The adverb itself took shape in Middle English, when "surely" came to mean "with certainty" or "in a sure manner." Its modern use, where it expresses a speaker's conviction about what must be true ("Surely you don't mean that"), grew out of that older sense of certainty. The word is a good example of how a plain suffix can turn an adjective about being firm or safe into one about the speaker's own confidence.

Synonyms: certainly, definitely, undoubtedly, absolutely, positively

Antonyms: doubtfully, uncertainly, possibly, maybe, unreliably