Words / B2

uh-SHOOR/əˈʃʊə/

To assure someone is to tell them something is true in order to reduce worry: I assure you. Promise is everyday and can be about the future; reassure is specifically to calm (often again). Ensure means make certain it happens; insure means buy insurance. Assurance is the noun. In speech, trust me or it will be fine is more natural than I assure you, which can sound stiff.

Meaning

To tell someone that something is true, in order to make them less worried.

Examples

• “I assure you the test is fair.”
• “Let me assure you the marks have been double-checked.”
• “She assured the parents that the trip was still on.”

Good to know

assure someone (that). Contrast: ensure = make certain; insure = insurance. Everyday: promise / reassure.

Near in meaning

reassure

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