Reassure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
reassure
[หriหษหสสษ(r) ]
Definitions
comforting someone
To say or do something to remove the doubts and fears of someone; to give confidence or hope to someone.
Synonyms
calm, comfort, console, soothe.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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reassure |
Used to remove someone's doubts or fears by giving them confidence and assurance. Often employed in situations requiring emotional support or confidence-boosting.
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comfort |
Used to ease someone's sorrow or distress, usually in more emotional or difficult situations such as loss or sadness.
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console |
Used when offering solace or sympathy to someone who has experienced a loss or disappointment. This word often has a formal tone.
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soothe |
Used to reduce someone's physical discomfort or to calm someone's emotions gently and softly. Often associated with actions that provide relief or ease irritation.
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calm |
Used to describe the action of making someone less agitated or stressed, often suitable for situations where someone is visibly upset or anxious.
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Examples of usage
- He reassured his friend that everything would be okay.
- She reassured her children that they were safe.
- The doctor reassured the patient that the procedure was routine.
making something certain
To remove someone's doubts or fears by providing evidence or information; to make something certain or definite.
Synonyms
certify, confirm, validate, verify.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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reassure |
Used when you want to comfort someone and alleviate their concerns or anxieties.
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confirm |
Commonly used in everyday communication to verify that something is true, correct, or will happen.
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validate |
Used when there is a need to prove that something is correct or acceptable, often in formal or semi-formal settings.
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verify |
Used to check the accuracy or truth of something, often involving a detailed or formal process.
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certify |
Used in formal or official situations to assert that something meets a standard or is true.
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Examples of usage
- The results of the test reassured the scientist of the accuracy of the experiment.
- The contract reassured the company of the terms of the agreement.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Reassurance can be a powerful tool in reducing anxiety, often used in therapeutic settings to help individuals cope with fears.
- Studies show that verbal reassurance can activate the brain's reward centers, which can lead to a sense of relief and safety.
- Providing reassurance can strengthen social bonds, as people feel cared for and understood.
Communication
- Nonverbal cues, like a gentle touch or reassuring smile, can enhance the impact of verbal reassurance.
- Effective reassurance often involves active listening, showing empathy, and validating feelings before offering comfort.
- Over-reassurance can sometimes lead to dependence, meaning it's important to balance reassurance with encouraging self-confidence.
Literature
- In many stories, characters provide reassurance to one another during difficult times, showcasing the strength of friendships.
- Authors often use acts of reassurance to develop character relationships and highlight themes of support and unity.
- Reassurance can serve as a plot device, where a character's ability to comfort another reflects their growth and emotional intelligence.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures express reassurance in various ways; some rely on words, while others may use physical touch or acts of service.
- In some cultures, indirect reassurance through storytelling or humor is preferred, showing an understanding of context and mood.
- Understanding cultural differences in reassurance can enhance communication and strengthen relationships in diverse settings.
Origin of 'reassure'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and 'assure,' which means to promise or say something to make someone feel better.
- It was first used in the late 14th century, suggesting that people have been comforting one another for a long time.
- The Latin root 'assurare' means 'to make safe,' highlighting the word's focus on safety and security.
The word 'reassure' originated from the combination of the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' or 'back' and the word 'assure' meaning 'to guarantee' or 'to make certain'. The concept of providing comfort and confidence to someone has been present in various cultures throughout history, with the act of reassurance being a fundamental aspect of human relationships and communication.
See also: assurance, assured, assuredly, assurer, reassurance, reassured, reassuring.