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.
I was speaking on my chunky cellphone with a client about Alan Greenspan’s “irrational exuberance” speech, reassuring him that equities were still a good investment.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
"Soriot stuck to full-year sales and profits guidance and reassuring updates on the drug development pipeline also helped to boost the shares," said AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould.
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026
People trusted his read on the economy precisely because he was more interested in being right than in sounding reassuring.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
But he insists he is not looking to "destroy anything", reassuring more cautious voters.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
I couldn’t see him, couldn’t even turn my neck anymore, but just the weight of his palms was reassuring.
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
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.
