assure
gb/əʃˈʊɹ/ us/əʃˈʊɹ/
B1
English
~ 2700
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Tell confidently something is true
To say to someone in a strong way that something is true or will happen, to make them feel sure.
Usage pattern:
to assure [someone] that [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'assure' with 'ensure'. 'Assure' is about telling a person something confidently, while 'ensure' means to make certain something happens.
Synonyms
guarantee (Stronger promise, often involving legal or formal backing)
|
promise (Less formal and more about intention than certainty)
Antonyms
doubt (To feel uncertain or unsure about something)
Collocations
assure you that
|can assure you
|assure her of
Themes
communication
|emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I assure you that everything will be ready on time.
- She assured him that the package had been sent.
- The manager assured us there would be no layoffs.
- He assured me we were heading in the right direction.
Learner examples
- I assure you that it is safe.
- She assures me we will win.
- He assures them the bus will come soon.
- My teacher assures us we can pass.
Verb
B1
action
2
Make someone feel less worried
To help someone feel sure and not worried about something.
Usage pattern:
to assure [someone] of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'assure' without an object. 'Assure' always needs a person as the object.
Synonyms
reassure ('Reassure' is more common for calming someone’s worries; 'assure' can be used similarly but also for stating facts.)
Antonyms
alarm (To cause someone to feel worried or afraid)
Collocations
assure her of my support
|assure them of safety
|assure him of success
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|communication
Examples
- He assured her of his continued support.
- The doctor assured me of a quick recovery.
- They assured the passengers of their safety.
Learner examples
- I assure you of my help.
- She assures him of her love.
- The guide assures us of safety.
- He assures them of success.
Verb
formal
B2
action
3
Make certain something happens
To make certain that something will happen or succeed.
Usage pattern:
to assure [something]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse 'assure' with 'ensure' in this sense; 'ensure' is generally preferred when not talking directly to a person.
Synonyms
ensure ('Ensure' is more common in modern usage for this meaning; 'assure' sounds more formal and less common.)
Antonyms
jeopardize (To put something at risk of not happening)
Collocations
assure victory
|assure success
|assure the result
Themes
business
|planning
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Their strategy assured the team's victory.
- Good planning assured the project's success.
- Her quick action assured a positive outcome.
Learner examples
- Practice will assure your success.
- Good work will assure a win.
- His help will assure our victory.
Grammar
Dictionary form
assure
IPA
GB/əʃˈʊɹ/
US/əʃˈʊɹ/
Syllables & stress
as - sure (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (sure)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: assure
- 3rd Person Singular: assures
- Present Participle: assuring
- Past: assured
Word family
Forms
assures
verb
assuring
verb
assured
verb
Core family
assurance
noun B2
assuredly
adverb
Related words
Expressions
assure someone of something
1/əʃˈʊɹ sˈʌmwˌʌn əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Tell someone something is certain
To say strongly to a person that something is true or will happen.
Examples
- The company assured customers of the product’s safety.
- She assured me of her full support.
rest assured
1/ɹˈɛst əʃˈʊɹd/
fixed phrase
formal
be certain and not worry about it
Be sure and not worried about something because it is guaranteed.
Examples
- Rest assured, we will deliver your order on time.
- You can rest assured that your money is safe with us.
rest assured
2/ɹˈɛst əʃˈʊɹd/
fixed phrase
Be sure and not worried
You can be sure and not worried because something will happen as promised.
Examples
- Rest assured, we will handle everything for you.
- You can rest assured that your package will arrive on time.