The phrase "sure enough" is a common expression in English language that is used to show confirmation of something that was assumed to be true. The IPA phonetic transcription for "sure enough" is /ʃʊr/ /ɪˈnʌf/. In this spelling, "sure" is pronounced with a short "u" sound and a "sh" sound in the beginning. "Enough" is pronounced with a short "e" sound and a "f" sound at the end. The spelling of this phrase seems straightforward once you understand its phonetic transcription.
Sure enough is an idiomatic expression used to confirm that something expected or predicted has indeed happened or turned out to be true. It is most commonly employed in informal or conversational settings. The phrase is often used to convey a sense of confirmation, validation, or affirmation.
When used in a sentence, sure enough usually appears at the beginning or middle to emphasize a satisfying resolution. For example, "We thought it would rain, and sure enough, it started pouring just as we left the house." In this context, sure enough reinforces the speaker's belief that their prediction about the rain was accurate.
The phrase can also be used to confirm the authenticity or truthfulness of a previous statement. For instance, "He claimed he had seen a ghost, and sure enough, he showed us the eerie photograph he took." In this case, sure enough validates the initial claim and indicates that the evidence presented confirms its truth.
Overall, sure enough is a concise and informal way of expressing confirmation or verification. It is often used to emphasize the fulfillment of an expected outcome, reinforcing the credibility of a statement or prediction.
The phrase "sure enough" is derived from Middle English and has evolved over time.
The word "sure" traces its origins back to Old French, where it was spelled "seur" and meant "safe" or "secure". This Old French term ultimately comes from the Latin word "securus", meaning "free from care" or "without danger".
The word "enough" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled "genōg" and meant "sufficient" or "adequate".
When these two words are combined, the phrase "sure enough" emerged. It is believed to have originated in the late 16th century and 17th century, becoming a common expression in the English language.
Over time, "sure enough" came to be used to confirm or reinforce something that was already believed or expected. It serves as an affirmation or confirmation of an existing idea or assumption.