Assure vs. Reassure — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 13, 2024
Assure focuses on making a confident declaration, while reassure involves restoring confidence or alleviating doubts or fears.
Difference Between Assure and Reassure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Assure involves making a confident statement or promise to convince someone of something, highlighting the act of providing certainty or security about a situation or outcome. For example, a doctor might assure a patient about the safety of a procedure. On the other hand, reassure is used specifically to restore confidence, to alleviate doubts or fears, often after they have arisen. For instance, after a minor earthquake, authorities might reassure the public about the structural integrity of buildings.
While assure might be used in a broader range of contexts, from providing guarantees to ensuring someone about future events, reassure is more focused on emotional support or comfort. It often follows a situation that has caused worry or uncertainty, aiming to bring back a sense of security or peace of mind.
The emotional nuance between the two is significant; assure can be seen as more transactional or factual, whereas reassure carries an emotional component, aiming to soothe and comfort. For instance, a parent might assure a child that they will be picked up on time from school, while they might reassure the same child during a thunderstorm that everything is going to be okay.
In professional or formal settings, assure might be used to convey guarantees or certainties, such as in contracts or official statements. In contrast, reassure is likely to be used in personal, social, or therapeutic contexts, where the aim is to alleviate emotional distress or anxiety.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To make a confident declaration or promise.
To restore confidence, alleviate doubts.
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Context of Use
Broader, can be factual or emotional.
Often emotional, following uncertainty.
Emotional Weight
Can be neutral or positive.
Generally aims to comfort or soothe.
Common Situations
Before an event or decision.
After an event that has caused worry.
Professional Usage
Guarantees, promises, official statements.
Emotional support, alleviating concerns.
Compare with Definitions
Assure
To make a statement intended to give confidence.
The pilot assured passengers of a smooth flight.
Reassure
To restore someone's confidence.
The coach reassured the team of their capabilities.
Assure
To guarantee an outcome.
The contract assures your rights are protected.
Reassure
To affirm support or positivity.
They reassured their friend of their unwavering support.
Assure
To provide insurance or protection.
The policy assures your investment against loss.
Reassure
To relieve doubts or fears.
She reassured him that everything would be alright.
Assure
To promise with certainty.
The company assures quality in all its products.
Reassure
To offer comfort or support.
The message was meant to reassure the community.
Assure
To convince someone of something.
He assured her of his commitment.
Reassure
To restore confidence to
I felt reassured that I was up to the job.
Assure
To inform positively, as to remove doubt
Assured us that the train would be on time.
Reassure
To assure again
We reassured him that the project was on schedule.
Assure
To cause to feel sure
A gesture that assured her of his devotion.
Reassure
To reinsure.
Assure
To give confidence to; reassure.
Reassure
(transitive) To assure anew; to restore confidence to; to free from fear or self-doubt.
The boy's mother reassured him that there was no monster hiding under the bed.
Assure
To make certain; ensure
"Nothing in history assures the success of our civilization" (Herbert J. Muller).
Reassure
(transitive) To reinsure.
Assure
To make safe or secure
"We would rather forgo certain benefits in order to be assured against certain evils" (Alfred E. Smith).
Reassure
To assure anew; to restore confidence to; to free from fear or terror.
They rose with fear, . . . Till dauntless Pallas reassured the rest.
Assure
Chiefly British To insure, as against loss.
Reassure
To reinsure.
Assure
(transitive) To make sure and secure; ensure.
Reassure
Cause to feel sure; give reassurance to;
The airline tried to reassure the customers that the planes were safe
Assure
To give (someone) confidence in the trustworthiness of (something).
I assure you that the program will work smoothly when we demonstrate it to the client.
He assured of his commitment to her happiness.
Reassure
Give or restore confidence in; cause to feel sure or certain;
I reassured him that we were safe
Assure
(obsolete) To guarantee, promise (to do something).
Assure
(transitive) To reassure.
Assure
To make sure or certain; to render confident by a promise, declaration, or other evidence.
His promise that thy seed shall bruise our foe . . . Assures me that the bitterness of deathIs past, and we shall live.
Assure
To declare to, solemnly; to assert to (any one) with the design of inspiring belief or confidence.
I dare assure thee that no enemyShall ever take alive the noble Brutus.
Assure
To confirm; to make certain or secure.
And it shall be assured to him.
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
Assure
To affiance; to betroth.
Assure
To insure; to covenant to indemnify for loss, or to pay a specified sum at death. See Insure.
Assure
Make certain of;
This nest egg will ensure a nice retirement for us
Preparation will guarantee success!
Assure
Inform positively and with certainty and confidence;
I tell you that man is a crook!
Assure
Assure somebody of the truth of something with the intention of giving the listener confidence;
I assured him that traveling to Cambodia was safe
Assure
Be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something;
He verified that the valves were closed
See that the curtains are closed
Control the quality of the product
Assure
Cause to feel sure; give reassurance to;
The airline tried to reassure the customers that the planes were safe
Assure
Make a promise or commitment
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to assure someone?
To assure someone means to make them feel certain or confident about something.
In what situations might you use "assure"?
You might use "assure" in formal settings or when making commitments or guarantees for the first time.
How does reassure differ from assure in emotional context?
Reassure carries a deeper emotional component, often used to address fears, doubts, or worries personally.
Is reassure always related to emotional support?
Often, yes. Reassure is commonly used in contexts requiring emotional support or comfort.
Can a company reassure its customers?
Yes, a company can reassure its customers, especially after a situation that may have caused doubt or concern.
Can you reassure someone about something they were never assured of?
Typically, reassurance is aimed at restoring confidence, so it usually follows an initial assurance.
What is the main purpose of reassurance?
The main purpose of reassurance is to restore lost or shaken confidence.
Can assure and reassure be used interchangeably?
While similar, they're used differently based on whether confidence is being established or restored.
How can assure affect a person's confidence?
Assure can significantly boost a person's confidence by providing certainty and reducing doubts.
Is assure more formal than reassure?
Yes, assure is often used in more formal or official contexts compared to the more personal nature of reassure.
What's an example of using assure in a sentence?
"The company assures all users of the security of their data."
Do assure and reassure have the same origin?
Both words share a Latin root related to making sure or certain, but they have evolved to have distinct uses.
Can assure imply a promise?
Yes, assure can imply a promise or guarantee, suggesting a commitment to ensuring a certain outcome.
Why is reassurance important in relationships?
Reassurance is crucial in relationships to maintain trust, especially after misunderstandings or conflicts.
What's an example of using reassure in a conversation?
"After the earthquake, the authorities reassured the public about the safety of the buildings."
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
