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

Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, all of which have ties to Hamas, contributed to pressuring the group into accepting a deal with no assurances the war would end.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Democrats want assurances that Congress will extend tens or hundreds of billions of dollars in healthcare funds before they will vote to reopen the government.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Despite these assurances, the announcement has sparked significant backlash.

Read more on Salon

Bakkedahl told the U.S. attorney’s office he wanted assurances of cooperation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Speaking after the deal was reached, Hamas's exiled Gaza leader, Khalil Al-Hayya, said he had received assurances from the US and other mediators that the war had ended.

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.