Absolutely vs. Sure — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
"Absolutely" is a strong, definitive affirmative response that leaves no room for doubt, while "sure" is a more casual, affirmative reply that implies agreement or consent.
Difference Between Absolutely and Sure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Absolutely" is used to convey complete agreement or to affirm something without any hesitation, suggesting total confidence in the response. In contrast, "sure" is often used informally to express agreement or acquiescence, but it can sometimes carry a tone of mild enthusiasm or mere politeness.
When someone responds with "absolutely," they are typically emphasizing their strong agreement or the certainty of a statement. On the other hand, "sure" can also imply a willingness or readiness, but it may not always denote strong commitment or enthusiasm.
In formal settings, "absolutely" might be preferred to assert certainty or strong positive affirmation, reinforcing the speaker's conviction. Whereas "sure" tends to be more flexible, appropriate in casual conversations and less formal interactions.
The use of "absolutely" can enhance a statement's perceived importance or urgency, making it clear that there is strong support or confirmation. Conversely, "sure" might be perceived as less emphatic, sometimes even nonchalant, depending on the context and tone of voice.
While "absolutely" leaves little to no room for ambiguity in the level of agreement, "sure" can sometimes be interpreted in various ways, from enthusiastic agreement to a simple acknowledgment, depending on additional non-verbal cues or conversational context.
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Comparison Chart
Level of Emphasis
High, definitive
Moderate, can be casual or informal
Common Usage
Strong affirmation, no doubt
General agreement, acceptance
Tone
Confident, emphatic
Casual, sometimes nonchalant
Suitability
Formal and informal, depending on emphasis
More common in casual or informal settings
Implication
Total agreement, certainty
Agreement but can vary in enthusiasm
Compare with Definitions
Absolutely
Often used to emphasize a strong affirmative.
Absolutely brilliant performance!
Sure
May express mild enthusiasm or politeness.
Do you think we should proceed? Sure, let's do it.
Absolutely
Used to express full agreement or certainty.
Can you confirm this data is correct? Absolutely!
Sure
Can imply readiness or willingness.
Can you help me with this? Sure, what do you need?
Absolutely
Indicative of no doubt or hesitation.
Are you sure you can handle this task? Absolutely, no problem at all.
Sure
Sometimes used to affirm casually.
Sure, that sounds good to me.
Absolutely
Asserts confirmation decisively.
Is this your final decision? Absolutely.
Sure
Used in offering or accepting.
Sure, you can borrow my book.
Absolutely
Can be used to reinforce statements.
I absolutely agree with your point.
Sure
Indicates agreement or consent.
Would you like to try? Sure, I'll give it a go.
Absolutely
Without qualification or restriction; completely
The substance was absolutely pure.
Sure
Confident, as of something awaited or expected
I am sure we will win the game.
Absolutely
Used as an intensive
I absolutely love that restaurant. That's absolutely ridiculous.
Sure
Impossible to doubt or dispute; certain
We have sure proof of his innocence.
Absolutely
As you say. Used to indicate agreement.
Sure
Bound to come about or happen; inevitable
A sure victory for the team.
Absolutely
In a manner that does not take an object.
Sure
Having one's course directed; destined or bound
She is sure to succeed.
Absolutely
In an absolute relationship.
Sure
Certain not to miss, slip, or err; steady
A sure grip on the suitcase.
Absolutely
In an absolute or unconditional manner; utterly, positively, wholly.
Sure
Not hesitating or wavering; firm
Sure convictions.
Absolutely
Independently; viewed without relation to other things or factors.
Sure
Worthy of being trusted or depended on; reliable
A sure friend.
Absolutely
(grammar) In a manner that does not take an object.
Sure
Free from or marked by freedom from doubt
She is sure of her friends.
Absolutely
Yes; certainly; expression indicating strong agreement.
Sure
Careful to do something
Be sure to turn off the stove.
Absolutely
In an absolute, independent, or unconditional manner; wholly; positively.
Sure
(Obsolete) Free from harm or danger; safe.
Absolutely
Completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers;
An absolutely magnificent painting
A perfectly idiotic idea
You're perfectly right
Utterly miserable
You can be dead sure of my innocence
Was dead tired
Dead right
Sure
Surely; certainly.
Absolutely
Totally and definitely; without question;
We are absolutely opposed to the idea
He forced himself to lie absolutely still
Iron is absolutely necessary
Sure
Physically secure and certain, non-failing, reliable.
This investment is a sure thing.
The bailiff had a sure grip on the prisoner's arm.
Sure
Certain in one's knowledge or belief.
She is sure of herself.
He is sure she was lying.
He was sure of being a finalist.
They aren't completely sure who will attend.
You seemed sure that the car was his.
Sure
(followed by a to infinitive) Certain to act or be a specified way.
Be sure to lock the door when you leave.
Sure
(obsolete) Free from danger; safe; secure.
Sure
(obsolete) Betrothed; engaged to marry.
Sure
(modal adverb) Without doubt, certainly.
Sure he's coming! Why wouldn't he?
"Did you kill that bear yourself?" ―"I sure did!"
Sure
(archaic) Without fail, surely.
Sure
Yes, expressing noncommittal agreement or consent.
"Do you want me to put this in the garage?" "Sure, go ahead."
Sure
Yes; of course.
"Could you tell me where the washrooms are?" "Sure, they're in the corner over there."
Sure
You're welcome; polite response to being thanked.
"Thanks for helping me with that electrical fault." "Sure. Any time."
Sure
Certainly knowing and believing; confident beyond doubt; implicity trusting; unquestioning; positive.
We are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
I'm sure care 's an enemy of life.
Sure
Certain to find or retain; as, to be sure of game; to be sure of success; to be sure of life or health.
Sure
Fit or worthy to be depended on; certain not to fail or disappoint expectation; unfailing; strong; permanent; enduring.
The Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the Lord.
The testimony of the Lord is sure.
Which put in good sure leather sacks.
Sure
Betrothed; engaged to marry.
The king was sure to Dame Elizabeth Lucy, and her husband before God.
I presume . . . that you had been sure as fast as faith could bind you, man and wife.
Sure
Free from danger; safe; secure.
Fear not; the forest is not three leagues off;If we recover that we are sure enough.
She that's made sure to him she loves not well.
Sure
In a sure manner; safely; certainly.
'T is pleasant, sure, to see one's name in print.
Sure
Having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured;
Felt certain of success
Was sure (or certain) she had seen it
Was very sure in his beliefs
Sure of her friends
Sure
Exercising or taking care great enough to bring assurance;
Be certain to disconnect the iron when you are through
Be sure to lock the doors
Sure
Certain to occur; destined or inevitable;
He was certain to fail
His fate is certain
In this life nothing is certain but death and taxes
He faced certain death
Sudden but sure regret
He is sure to win
Sure
Physically secure or dependable;
A sure footing
Was on sure ground
Sure
Capable of being depended on;
A quick and certain remedy
A sure way to distinguish the two
Wood dust is a sure sign of termites
Sure
(of persons) worthy of trust or confidence;
A sure (or trusted) friend
Sure
Infallible or unfailing;
A sure (or true) sign of one's commitment
Sure
Certain not to fail;
A sure hand on the throttle
Sure
Impossible to doubt or dispute;
Indisputable (or sure) proof
Sure
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
Common Curiosities
Is "absolutely" more formal than "sure"?
Generally, "absolutely" is considered more formal and emphatic compared to the more casual "sure."
Can "sure" be used sarcastically?
Yes, "sure" can be used sarcastically, depending on the speaker’s tone and the context.
How can using "absolutely" impact the perception of a speaker?
Using "absolutely" can make a speaker appear more confident and decisive.
Can "absolutely" be used to deny something?
"Absolutely" is typically not used for denial; it affirms and strengthens a statement.
Does "absolutely" always imply enthusiasm?
While "absolutely" often conveys strong agreement, its tone of enthusiasm depends on the context and delivery.
Can "sure" be perceived as ambiguous?
Yes, "sure" can sometimes be perceived as ambiguous or tepid, especially if the speaker's tone and body language suggest hesitation.
What are the implications of using "absolutely" in negotiations?
In negotiations, using "absolutely" can signal strong commitment or a non-negotiable stance.
Is "absolutely" commonly used in customer service?
Yes, "absolutely" is commonly used in customer service to positively affirm customer requests or questions.
How does cultural context affect the use of "absolutely" and "sure"?
Cultural context can influence how these expressions are perceived; some cultures may view "absolutely" as too direct or "sure" as too informal.
Is "sure" appropriate in professional emails?
"Sure" can be used in professional emails but should be tailored to match the overall tone of the correspondence.
In what situations is "sure" preferable to "absolutely"?
"Sure" is preferable in casual conversations or when the speaker wants to convey agreement without overwhelming enthusiasm.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
