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.
"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
However, there are reassuring signs in the resale market.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
More tolerant groups showed higher levels of reassuring touch, including what researchers described as "reassurance trains", in which multiple apes embraced one another in succession.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
Big banks came out with record-smashing results this morning, delivering a reassuring signal on the health of consumers and corporate America on what is proving to be a lively day in markets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
As the leader, Kerling tabled the decision, reassuring Neubauer that it would be discussed later when the group was reunited in Chicago on July 6.
From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple
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.
