assurance

[ uh-shoor-uhns, -shur- ]

noun

1. a positive declaration intended to give confidence:

   He received assurances of support for the project.

2. promise or pledge; guaranty; surety:

   He gave his assurance that the job would be done.

   Synonyms: oath, warranty

3. full confidence; freedom from doubt; certainty:

   to act in the assurance of success.

   Antonyms: uncertainty

4. freedom from timidity; self-confidence; belief in one's abilities:

   She acted with speed and assurance.

   Antonyms: uncertainty

5. presumptuous boldness; impudence.

   Synonyms: cheek, nerve, impertinence, effrontery

   Antonyms: uncertainty

6. Chiefly British. insurance.

assurance

/ əˈʃʊərəns /

noun

1. a statement, assertion, etc, intended to inspire confidence or give encouragement

   she was helped by his assurance that she would cope

2. a promise or pledge of support

   he gave an assurance of help when needed

3. freedom from doubt; certainty

   his assurance about his own superiority infuriated her

4. forwardness; impudence
5. insurance providing for certainties such as death as contrasted with fire or theft

Other Words From

• preas·surance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of assurance¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English ass(e)ura(u)nce, from Middle French ass(e)urance; equivalent to assure + -ance

Synonym Study

See trust. See confidence.

Example Sentences

Lord Ericht took issue with that assertion but the lawyer insisted that in such a case the court could have "no assurance" that Jackdaw could proceed.

From BBC

Kim, a Gold Glove winner in 2023, is coming off surgery on his right shoulder, and teams will need assurance that he is fully healed.

From Los Angeles Times

He said: "I write today to seek assurance there is a specific improvement plan in place, but also pledge my council's support and energy in improving that story including educational attainment in Basildon in general."

From BBC

But by edging in gently to farming, they keep the financial assurance of a back-up city salary, as well as the intellectual sustenance of their urban social circle.

From BBC

The Quality Assurance Agency, which reviews standards at UK universities, says it's a balancing act between maintaining academic integrity, while equipping students with AI skills they can use in the workplace.

From BBC

Related Words

• affirmation
• assertion
• guarantee
• pledge
• promise
• security
• support
• word