Assure vs. Reassure

Question

(1) Assure(2) ReassureFirst question: Are there any significant differences between these two verbs?Second question: I'd be thankful for any illuminating sentences you may provide with the verbs included to make meaning of these verbs clear and plain.Thank you very much in advance.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

May I ask you if you have first checked these words in your dictionary?

Clive

Anonymous · Answer

Yes, they are different regarding to their meaning.

According to Oxford Advanced Dictionary, the definition of reassure is to say or do something that makes somebody less worried and frightened. Its synonym is "setting someone's mind at rest. For example, the doctor reassured his patients that there was nothing seriously wrong. However, there is nothing involved easing someone's worry in the meaning of assure. The definition of assure is to tell somebody that something is definitely true or is definitely going to happen, especially when they have doubts about it. For instant, you think I did it deliberately, but I assure you (that) I did not.

Marold · Answer

Well, I am not sure whether I have a good grasp on the verbs.

Assure - when you make some sure about something he has doubts about?

Reassure - to comfort someone, to console someone?

I know I shouldn't be bothering you with stuff I am quite acquainted with. However, I wasn't just that sure about usage of the verbs as I wish.

Marold · Answer

Thanks Anonymous.

Michele Snider 4653 · Answer

I had a student who used "assure" instead of "reassure" today. These words are similar enough that they are sometimes used as synonyms (often incorrectly). You had a very good question.

My student was answering the question, "Why do people feel threatened by those who are different?" She said that people like to assure themselves that they are okay.
According to Webster’s online dictionary, one of the definitions of “assure” is to “give confidence to,” or “to inform positively.” So it makes sense to say that people want to give themselves confidence, or they want to have a positive idea about themselves.

However, the meaning of “reassure” is closer to the student's intended meaning. According to Webster's again, reassure means “to make someone feel less afraid, upset, or doubtful.” So, reassure is the better choice: People want to reassure themselves that they are okay. Indeed, "reassurance" means to remove doubt or fear, or provide comfort, or encouragement.

Assure vs. Reassure

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