- present participle of reassure.
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.
Even though some have had medical tests with reassuring results, this hasn't allayed their fears, she adds.
From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026
It’s content that delivers pure physical comedy, guilt-free schadenfreude and a reassuring feeling of superiority.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026
Stepping back and looking at the economy through a wider lens, the picture is reassuring.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 31, 2026
BEEF: CONFIRMED, it will finally announce, in reassuring green letters.
From Salon ● Aug. 27, 2026
He heard Kamau’s voice in his mind, reassuring and confident as always.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
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.
