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

Ms Curtiss previously said she had received assurances that the rule regarding stepchildren would go.

From BBC

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

California leaders and immigrant rights organizations are responding with promises of legal action and assurances to protect immigrant residents from Trump policies.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite their assurances, the City Council and Bass have limited power when it comes to stopping deportations.

From Los Angeles Times

“I would like to see solidarity from other communities, assurances that we are all in this together and then collective organizing,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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

More About Assurance

What does assurance mean?

An assurance is a positive promise, pledge, or guarantee. It is intended to dispel the listener’s doubts and give them confidence.

When we are worried about something, an assurance from a trusted source can ease our anxieties. If you’re nervous about a volcano erupting, a scientist could give you assurance that it’s not meant to blow for 500 more years. The assurance might help you feel more safe and certain.

Example: When Marya’s teacher asked why she hadn’t submitted her assignment, Marya gave an assurance that the essay was on its way.

Where does assurance come from?

The first records of assurance come from around the 1320s. It comes from the Middle French asseurance, which combined the verb “assure” with the suffix “-ance,” making it a noun.

While assurance usually refers to the message or promise that brings confidence, like quality assurance, it can also refer to the confidence itself. In those cases, assurance means certainty. Someone who acts with assurance is bold, and believes in themself.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to assurance?

• assure (verb)
• assured (adjective)
• assurer (noun)
• assuring (adjective)

What are some synonyms for assurance?

• pledge
• promise
• assertion
• confidence

What are some words that share a root or word element with assurance? 

• reassure
• reassuring
• brilliance
• assumption

What are some words that often get used in discussing assurance?

• quality
• risk
• encourage

What are some words assurance may be commonly confused with?

• insurance
• reassurance

How is assurance used in real life?

People tend to use assurance very genuinely, to describe the stability and confidence that they hope for themselves or others to have. Their assurance can come from their loved ones, their faith, or themselves. Some people also discuss quality assurance for goods and services.

Even if your heart is filled with 1000 worries tonight, I ask God to send a generous flow of blessings your way.

May the blessings come to you in the form of peace, calmness, assurance and confidence.

I wish you an amazing week ahead 🤍

— Mizi Wahid (@mizi_wahid) January 17, 2021

My favorite part of a piano tuning is when, after 2 hours of hearing himself hit offkey notes and adjusting, my piano tuner will just jam out to some blues.
That's some quality assurance right there

— Matt Palardy (@PBndJustice) January 15, 2021

 

Try using assurance!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for assurance?

A. guarantee
B. confidence
C. policy
D. certainty