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

Other measures to improve online safety should be used instead, the group argued, pointing to digital literacy programmes, the forced introduction of age-appropriate features for platforms, and age assurance technologies which have greater privacy protections.

Read more on BBC

A subsequent court ruling granted custody to Sheikh Saeed, but Ms Javadli says she received assurances from those involved in her case that the deal with Dubai's ruler would not be affected.

Read more on BBC

Members of her office have denied wrongdoing, saying they didn’t know they were given false assurances by the MAG Corps.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Trojans’ defense certainly didn’t help matters, in spite of assurances that it had ironed out its issues over three standout, second-half performances.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"As the result of a report received from the independent air quality assurance company, the Education Authority has instructed immediate closure of the four mobile classrooms," the letter said.

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.