reassure

/ˌriəˈʃʊr/
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Makes a worried or doubtful person feel calmer and more confident that things are safe, true, or likely to be all right.

Examples

  • Nothing he said reassured me about the safety of the plan.
  • A calm explanation may reassure worried customers.
  • She called to reassure us that she had arrived safely.
  • The doctor reassured her that the test results were normal.
  • Can you reassure the children before the flight?

Similar words

soothe
calm
relieve
assure
encourage
comfort

Meanings

Restore confidence or calm

verb
communication
neutral
To make someone feel less worried, doubtful, or afraid by giving comfort, information, or confidence.

Examples

  • The doctor reassured her that the test results were normal.
  • Can you reassure the children before the flight?
  • Nothing he said reassured me about the safety of the plan.
  • She called to reassure us that she had arrived safely.
  • A calm explanation may reassure worried customers.
  • I tried to reassure him, but he still expected the worst.

Similar words

Etymology

Formed in the late 1500s from re-, meaning “again,” and assure, meaning to give confidence or make certain. The modern everyday sense focuses on restoring calm or confidence.

FAQ

What does reassure mean?

To reassure someone is to make that person feel less worried, doubtful, or afraid.

What sentence patterns are common with reassure?

Common patterns are reassure someone, reassure someone that something is true, and reassure someone about a concern.

What is the difference between reassure and assure?

Reassure emphasizes reducing an existing worry, while assure often means telling someone confidently that something is true.

Can a fact or action reassure someone?

Yes. News, evidence, a calm voice, or a practical action can reassure a worried person.

What are the forms of reassure?

The past form is reassured, and the -ing form is reassuring.

Where does reassure come from?

It combines re-, meaning “again,” with assure, meaning to give confidence or certainty.

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