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Vouchsafing: meaning, definitions and examples

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vouchsafing

 

[ˈvaʊtʃseɪfɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

formal assurance

Vouchsafing refers to the act of granting or ensuring something in a gracious or condescending manner. It implies a level of authority or superiority in providing assurance or conferring a favor to someone. This word is often used in formal contexts or literature, suggesting an element of privilege or benevolence in the act of ensuring or making something certain. It carries a sense of formality and is less commonly used in everyday conversation.

Synonyms

assure, bestow, confer, grant.

Examples of usage

  • The king vouchsafed his blessings to the loyal subjects.
  • She vouchsafed her trust in him after years of friendship.
  • They vouchsafed permission for the event to take place.
  • The scholar vouchsafed knowledge to his eager students.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from Old French 'vouchsafier,' which means to grant or allow.
  • The word combines 'vouch,' meaning to affirm or guarantee, and 'safing,' hinting at safety or obtaining something secure.
  • First recorded use was in the early 15th century, showcasing its long-standing presence in the English language.

Literature

  • Often found in classical literature, including works by Shakespeare, where it adds a formal tone to the dialogue.
  • Used in texts to convey respect, as in granting an audience or favor to someone of importance.
  • Modern authors use the term sparingly, often to evoke a sense of antiquity or reverence.

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, vouchsafing involves granting insight or knowledge to others, often about complex ideas.
  • It reflects the relationship between a teacher and student, where the teacher vouchsafes wisdom or truth.
  • The concept can also imply divine favor or revelation in various spiritual contexts.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, bestowing knowledge or permission is seen as a sign of trust and goodwill.
  • Vouchsafing can emblemize the role of elders or leaders in sharing wisdom with the community.
  • The act of vouchsafing your experiences or stories is considered a valuable cultural practice in oral traditions.

Psychology

  • The act of granting trust can create stronger social bonds, suggesting that vouchsafing is linked to interpersonal relationships.
  • Receiving favor or permission can positively enhance one’s self-esteem and confidence.
  • Psychologically, when individuals vouchsafe their personal stories, it can lead to cathartic experiences and greater understanding in relationships.

Translations

Translations of the word "vouchsafing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 garantir

🇮🇳 सुनिश्चित करना

🇩🇪 gewähren

🇮🇩 menjamin

🇺🇦 гарантувати

🇵🇱 zapewniać

🇯🇵 保証する

🇫🇷 garantir

🇪🇸 garantizar

🇹🇷 garanti etmek

🇰🇷 보장하다

🇸🇦 يضمن

🇨🇿 zaručit

🇸🇰 zaručiť

🇨🇳 保证

🇸🇮 zagotoviti

🇮🇸 tryggja

🇰🇿 кепілдік беру

🇬🇪 განსაკუთრებული

🇦🇿 təmin etmək

🇲🇽 garantizar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,684, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.