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 Word Forms

• preassurance 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

The toughest Republican questioning came from Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor who gave a key vote to confirm Kennedy only after he gave him assurances that he would uphold several US vaccine policies.

From BBC

The verdict comes after a group of users brought the case claiming Google accessed users' mobile devices to collect, save and use their data, in violation of privacy assurances in its Web & App Activity setting.

From BBC

That option "puts them at risk of being sent to God knows where, with no assurances of protection," she said.

From BBC

"Despite sustained engagement and assurances sought over the last year, the arbitrary detention of UN staff, NGO workers and civil society has continued," Grundberg said.

From BBC

"There is no excuse for social media platforms not to have a combination of age assurance methods in their platforms ready for 10 December."

From BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

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.