The difference between Certain and Sure
When used as adjectives, certain means sure, positive, not doubting, whereas sure means physically secure and certain, non-failing, reliable.
Certain is also determiner with the meaning: having been determined but not specified.
Certain is also noun with the meaning: something certain.
Certain is also pronoun with the meaning: unnamed or undescribed members (of).
Sure is also interjection with the meaning: yes.
Sure is also adverb with the meaning: without doubt, certainly.
check bellow for the other definitions of Certain and Sure
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Certain as an adjective:
Sure, positive, not doubting.
Examples:
"I was certain of my decision."
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Certain as an adjective (obsolete):
Determined; resolved.
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Certain as an adjective:
Not to be doubted or denied; established as a fact.
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Certain as an adjective:
Actually existing; sure to happen; inevitable.
Examples:
"Bankruptcy is the certain outcome of your constant gambling and lending."
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Certain as an adjective:
Unfailing; infallible.
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Certain as an adjective:
Fixed or stated; regular; determinate.
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Certain as an adjective:
Not specifically named; indeterminate; indefinite; one or some; sometimes used independently as a noun, and meaning certain persons; see also "one".
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Certain as a pronoun (with ''of''):
Unnamed or undescribed members (of).
Examples:
"There where serious objections to certain of the proposals."
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Certain as a noun (with "the"):
Something certain.
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Sure as an adjective:
Physically secure and certain, non-failing, reliable.
Examples:
"This investment is a sure thing. The bailiff had a sure grip on the prisoner's arm."
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Sure as an adjective:
Certain in one's knowledge or belief.
Examples:
"He was sure she was lying. I am sure of my eventual death. John was acting sure of himself but in truth had doubts."
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Sure as an adjective:
Certain to act or be a specified way.
Examples:
"Be sure to lock the door when you leave."
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Sure as an adjective (obsolete):
Free from danger; safe; secure.
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Sure as an adjective (obsolete):
Betrothed; engaged to marry.
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Sure as an adverb (modal adverb):
Without doubt, certainly.
Examples:
"Sure he's coming! Why wouldn't he?"
"Did you kill that bear yourself? ―"I sure did!"