Reassure: meaning, definitions and examples

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reassure

[ˌriːəˈʃʊə(r) ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

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
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. She reassured him that everything would be fine The doctor reassured the patient about the success of the surgery
comfort	Used to ease someone's sorrow or distress, usually in more emotional or difficult situations such as loss or sadness. She comforted her friend after hearing the bad news Holding his child's hand comforted him in his time of need
console	Used when offering solace or sympathy to someone who has experienced a loss or disappointment. This word often has a formal tone. She went to console him after his grandmother passed away He tried to console his colleague after her presentation did not go well
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. The mother soothed the crying baby with a lullaby A warm bath can soothe sore muscles
calm	Used to describe the action of making someone less agitated or stressed, often suitable for situations where someone is visibly upset or anxious. The teacher tried to calm the students during the fire drill Listening to music helps to calm my nerves

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.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

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
reassure	Used when you want to comfort someone and alleviate their concerns or anxieties. She needed to reassure her friend that everything would be okay The doctor reassured the patient about the upcoming surgery
confirm	Commonly used in everyday communication to verify that something is true, correct, or will happen. Please confirm your attendance at the meeting She called to confirm the reservation
validate	Used when there is a need to prove that something is correct or acceptable, often in formal or semi-formal settings. The scientist needed to validate his experiment results Please validate your parking ticket at the reception
verify	Used to check the accuracy or truth of something, often involving a detailed or formal process. The accountant needed to verify the financial statements Can you verify the information before we proceed?
certify	Used in formal or official situations to assert that something meets a standard or is true. The mechanic certified that the car was in good condition The school certified the completion of the course

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "reassure" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tranquilizar

🇮🇳 आश्वस्त करना

🇩🇪 beruhigen

🇮🇩 menenangkan

🇺🇦 заспокоювати

🇵🇱 uspokajać

🇯🇵 安心させる

🇫🇷 rassurer

🇪🇸 tranquilizar

🇹🇷 rahatlatmak

🇰🇷 안심시키다

🇸🇦 طمأن

🇨🇿 uklidnit

🇸🇰 upokojiť

🇨🇳 安慰

🇸🇮 pomiriti

🇮🇸 róa

🇰🇿 тыныштандыру

🇬🇪 დამშვიდება

🇦🇿 sakitləşdirmək

🇲🇽 tranquilizar

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,617, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14614 bracing
14615 shutters
14616 inventive
14617 reassure
14618 linseed
14619 icons
14620 chute
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