Reassurance: meaning, definitions and examples

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reassurance

[ˌriːəˈʃʊərəns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of relief

Reassurance is the act of giving or receiving support, comfort, or confidence to someone who is feeling anxious or insecure. It is a way of providing assurance or encouragement to alleviate doubts or fears.

Synonyms

comfort, encouragement, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reassurance	When you want to reduce someone's anxiety or doubts by offering them confidence and assurance. She needed some reassurance before her speech He gave her a reassuring smile
comfort	When you want to ease someone's pain or stress, offering them emotional relief and support. She comforted him after he lost his job The warm blanket and a kind word comforted her
support	When you want to offer help or assistance, either emotionally, physically, or financially. His parents gave him a lot of support during his studies She received support from her friends during the difficult time
encouragement	When you want to give someone confidence or enthusiasm to continue their efforts or to take on a challenge. Her teacher's encouragement helped her to do well in school The coach offered encouragement to the team before the finals

Examples of usage

He sought reassurance from his friends before the important presentation.
The doctor's reassurance helped calm her nerves before the surgery.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

stating or making someone feel better about something

Reassurance can also refer to a statement or action that is meant to make someone feel better about a situation or decision. It is a way of offering comfort or consolation to alleviate worries or uncertainties.

Synonyms

comforting gesture, consolation, reassuring statement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reassurance	Used when providing a sense of safety or confidence through both actions and words. His constant reassurance helped her get through the tough times Sometimes, a simple reassurance can make all the difference
consolation	Used when someone is experiencing sadness or disappointment and requires comfort, often verbal. It often implies acknowledging someone's pain and offering words to ease it. Her kind words were a great consolation after the bad news The only consolation after losing the game was the support of our fans
reassuring statement	Used when specific words or phrases are intended to reduce anxiety or worry, focusing on communicating assurance verbally. The nurse’s reassuring statement calmed the patient He made a reassuring statement to ease her doubts
comforting gesture	Used when physical actions are taken to make someone feel better or less scared, such as a hug, pat on the back, or holding someone's hand. He gave her a comforting gesture by placing his hand on her shoulder That hug was the comforting gesture I needed

Examples of usage

She gave him reassurance that everything would be okay.
The positive feedback served as reassurance for her efforts.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the prefix 're-' meaning 'again', and 'assurance' which means 'promise' or 'guarantee'.
Originally, it appeared in English around the late 14th century, reflecting a long history of comfort-giving language.

Psychology

Reassurance can significantly reduce anxiety by providing a sense of security and trust.
People often seek reassurance in relationships as a way to feel connected and valued, especially during stressful times.

Literature

In many stories, characters seeking reassurance face internal conflicts that relate to their fears, showcasing their growth.
Classic literature often depicts characters finding reassurance in simple acts, like friendships or nature, emphasizing emotional healing.

Cultural Practices

Various cultures use different rituals to provide reassurance, such as community gatherings or storytelling.
Affirmations and positive reinforcements are common practices in many cultures to promote mental well-being and confidence.

Health and Wellness

Reassurance can play a role in therapy, where professionals help clients feel safe to express fears or worries.
It's recognized that emotional assurance can boost overall health, decrease stress, and improve coping strategies.

Translations

Translations of the word "reassurance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reafirmação

tranquilização
consolo

🇮🇳 आश्वासन

🇩🇪 Beruhigung

🇮🇩 kepastian

🇺🇦 запевнення

заспокоєння
підтримка

🇵🇱 uspokojenie

🇯🇵 安心

🇫🇷 réassurance

🇪🇸 tranquilidad

🇹🇷 güvence

🇰🇷 안심

🇸🇦 طمأنة

🇨🇿 uklidnění

🇸🇰 upokojenie

🇨🇳 安慰

🇸🇮 zagotovilo

🇮🇸 hugrekki

🇰🇿 сенімділік

🇬🇪 დამშვიდება

🇦🇿 təminat

🇲🇽 tranquilidad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,451, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15448 locomotion
15449 whirled
15450 subservient
15451 reassurance
15452 compromising
15453 hateful
15454 paranoid
...