English

reassurance

gb/ɹˌiəʃˈʊɹəns/ us/ɹˌiəʃˈʊɹəns/
B2 English
Senses
0 senses
Noun B2 abstract
1

comfort that reduces worry

help that makes someone feel less worried

Usage pattern: give/offer/provide reassurance (to [someone]) (about [something])
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse reassurance (comfort) with assurance (a promise/guarantee) or use it as a verb; the verb is reassure.
Synonyms
comfort (More general; can be physical or emotional.) | encouragement (Focuses on boosting confidence rather than calming worry.) | consolation (Often used after a loss or disappointment.)
Antonyms
alarm (Something that causes fear or worry instead of reducing it.) | discouragement (Words or actions that reduce confidence or hope.)
Collocations
give reassurance |offer reassurance |provide reassurance |seek reassurance |need reassurance |some reassurance |constant reassurance |verbal reassurance |reassurance and support |reassurance about the future
Themes
emotions |communication |relationships |mental_health |daily_life
Examples
  • She called her parents for reassurance before the surgery.
  • The manager offered reassurance that no one would lose their job.
  • A few calm words were enough to give him reassurance.
Learner examples
  • I need reassurance before the test.
  • His message gave me reassurance.
Noun B2 state
2

a feeling of confidence

a calm feeling that everything is okay

Usage pattern: feel/take/find reassurance (in/from [something])
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse reassurance where confidence is more natural when the meaning is personal self-belief rather than being calmed by someone or something.
Synonyms
confidence (Often stronger and more self-directed than reassurance.) | peace of mind (Emphasizes relief from worry.)
Antonyms
anxiety (A worried, uneasy feeling that reassurance reduces.) | doubt (Uncertainty rather than calm certainty.)
Collocations
feel reassurance |find reassurance |take reassurance from |take reassurance in |gain reassurance |a sense of reassurance |a measure of reassurance |bring reassurance |reassurance for patients |reassurance to the public
Themes
emotions |mental_health |daily_life
Examples
  • He felt a wave of reassurance when the test came back negative.
  • The steady progress gave her reassurance that she was improving.
  • There was little reassurance in the doctor’s cautious tone.
Learner examples
  • The news gave me reassurance.
  • I felt reassurance after I spoke to her.
Noun C1 entity
3

a sign that things are fine

a sign that you don’t need to worry

Usage pattern: [something] is reassurance that [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners may use reassurance where proof is required; reassurance can be weaker than evidence and may be emotional rather than factual.
Synonyms
indication (More neutral and factual; less emotional.) | sign (Often informal and general.) | guarantee (Much stronger; suggests certainty or a promise.)
Antonyms
warning (A sign that something may go wrong.) | red flag (A clear sign of potential trouble.)
Collocations
welcome reassurance |some reassurance |little reassurance |reassurance that |reassurance for investors |reassurance to customers |source of reassurance |additional reassurance |public reassurance |financial reassurance
Themes
business |news |daily_life
Examples
  • The strong sales figures were reassurance that the strategy was working.
  • For many customers, the extended warranty is reassurance that repairs will be covered.
  • The calm response from officials provided reassurance that the situation was under control.
Learner examples
  • The result was reassurance that we were right.
Grammar
Dictionary form
reassurance
IPA
GB/ɹˌiəʃˈʊɹəns/
US/ɹˌiəʃˈʊɹəns/
Syllables & stress
re - as - sur - ance (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (as)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: reassurance
  • Plural: reassurance, reassurances
Expressions

give (someone) reassurance

1
/ɡˈɪv sˈʌmwˌʌn ɹˌiəʃˈʊɹəns/
fixed phrase

comfort someone who worries

to help someone feel less worried

Examples
  • The nurse gave him reassurance before the procedure.
  • I tried to give her reassurance about the move.
  • A quick reply can give someone reassurance.

need reassurance

1
/nˈid ɹˌiəʃˈʊɹəns/
fixed phrase

require comforting support

to need someone to calm you

Examples
  • After the accident, she needed reassurance that he was safe.
  • New employees often need reassurance in the first few weeks.
  • He didn’t need reassurance; he needed clear information.

offer reassurance

1
/ˈɔfɚ ɹˌiəʃˈʊɹəns/
fixed phrase

provide calming support

to say something to calm someone

Examples
  • The CEO offered reassurance that the company was stable.
  • He offered reassurance but avoided making promises.
  • Teachers offered reassurance to anxious students.

provide reassurance

1
/pɹəvˈaɪd ɹˌiəʃˈʊɹəns/
fixed phrase formal

give reassurance formally

to give reassurance, often officially

Examples
  • The report provides reassurance that safety standards are being met.
  • Officials provided reassurance to residents after the storm.
  • The policy is meant to provide reassurance to investors.

seek reassurance

1
/sˈik ɹˌiəʃˈʊɹəns/
fixed phrase

look for comfort

to look for words that calm you

Examples
  • He kept checking his phone, seeking reassurance from his partner.
  • Some people seek reassurance online when they feel anxious.
  • She sought reassurance about her performance.

words of reassurance

1
/wˈɚdz əv ɹˌiəʃˈʊɹəns/
fixed phrase

comforting things said

kind words that calm someone

Examples
  • He offered a few words of reassurance before she went on stage.
  • The coach’s words of reassurance helped the team refocus.
  • In the message, she added words of reassurance for the children.

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