c.1300, "safe, secure," later "mentally certain" (mid-15c.), from O.Fr. sur, seur "safe, secure," from L. securus "free from care, untroubled, heedless, safe" (see
secure). Pronunciation development followed that of
sugar. As an affirmative meaning
"yes, certainly" it dates from 1803, from M.E. meanings "firmly established, having no doubt," and phrases like to be sure (1650s), sure enough (1540s), and for sure (1580s). The use as a qualifier meaning "assuredly" goes back to early 15c. Sure-footed is from 1630s; sure-fire first attested 1901; sure thing dates from 1836. In 16c.-17c., Suresby was an appellation for a person to be depended upon.