SURELY

[adverb] [not gradable]Surely can be used to express that you are certain or almost certain about something, or that you are surprised about something.That surely can't be a good idea.The fault surely lies in the design of the equipment.These children surely deserve something better than a life on the streets.Surely you don't expect me to believe that.Surely there must be some mistake.You must agree, surely?It must surely be possible for you to get this finished today."He said he couldn't come." "Oh, surely not."(US) "May I sit here?" "Surely (= Yes, certainly)."Things are slowly but surely (= certainly) improving.Without more food and medical supplies, these people will surely not survive.If you do something surely, you do it confidently.Katie has now learnt to ride a bike quite surely.He seemed to speak very surely.(dated UK informal) Surely to God/goodness (= You must admit that) you could have called to say you'd be late - I've been worried sick!