reassuring
Americanadjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reassuring
First recorded in 1700–10; reassur(e) ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. ) for the adjective senses; reassur(e) ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. ) for the noun sense
Explanation
Something reassuring comforts or inspires you. A reassuring smile can help to calm a nervous speaker who's about to give a speech. When you're anxious about singing in the talent show, some reassuring words from your best friend or your dad's reassuring hug can make you feel much more relaxed and confident. And fearful flyers sometimes find the calm voice of the captain reassuring. This adjective comes from the verb reassure, or "restore to confidence," which adds re-, or "again," to assure, which has the Latin root securus, "safe or secure."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The U.S. has long sought to dissuade South Korea from seeking to develop its own nuclear weapons by reassuring it that Washington is strongly committed to its defense.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026
Results in the last few weeks from both companies showed fast growth, burgeoning demand, strong margins and reassuring guidance.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 13, 2026
"As the captain, I had to keep reassuring my crew, along with my wife and children back home, who spent many sleepless nights worrying about us."
From Barron's ● Aug. 4, 2026
Much of what union Vice President Jessica Rodarte saw was reassuring — with school managers and officials at pains to explain cleaning and testing efforts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026
Without stopping the flow of reassuring words, Taran raised her hoof.
From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
