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

But even after the speaker’s latest assurances, the Democratic politician told Salon she isn’t buying it.

Read more on Salon

Previously, the Public Accounts Committee criticised what it called the DWP's "seemingly complacent assurances that this reduction in support has had minimal impact on claimants".

Read more on BBC

The group knows that it will be vulnerable without the hostages and will without a doubt demand strong assurances that that will not happen.

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PPE Medpro's spokesperson claimed that the company itself did not undertake the technical work of liaising with manufacturers in China, including quality control and sterility assurance levels.

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Mr Lee also says conversations are saved temporarily for quality assurance but discarded after 30 days.

Read more on 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.