reassure

USAGE SUMMARY

"reassure" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb which means to bring reassurance or to make someone feel more secure or confident. Example sentence: I wanted to reassure my wife that everything would be alright.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has always been tricky for Messrs Cameron and Clegg to present themselves as united in an endeavour to put the country right while at the same advertising their differences in order to reassure the blue and yellow tribes that they are not betraying their respective party's fundamental beliefs.

The Guardian - Opinion

National Grid has moved to reassure households and businesses it will have enough power supply even in a cold winter after a spate of fires and power plant closures helped to cut spare capacity to an eight-year low.

The Guardian - Business

I told the girl in the workshop to stay true to herself and follow her passion for acting but to reassure her parents that if it didn't work out she would pursue a career as a drama teacher.

The Guardian

As I once so kindly tried to reassure my panda: everything's going to be all right.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He said that "the letter could not have been more explicit" that the government regarded Muslims as part of British society, adding the letter was designed to reassure the Muslim community.

The Guardian

Tony Abbott has sought to reassure wary colleagues and big mining companies that any government-backed inquiry into Australia's iron ore sector would be a fact-finding mission rather than an attempt to regulate the market.

The Guardian - Business

There is no one to share the enchanting moments and tantrums with, no one to read a book to our child while we have a bath, no one to reassure us that we're doing just fine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The disclosure of Prism resulted in a cataclysm in technology circles, with tech giants launching extensive PR campaigns to reassure their customers of data security and successfully pressing the Obama administration to allow them greater leeway to disclose the volume and type of data requests served to them by the government.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 5.26pm GMT17:26 Q: [From a county councillor] Can you reassure the public about what is happening in Cyprus and with the euro?

The Guardian

Alex Salmond, the Scottish first minister, highlighted the significance of the monarchy when he moved on Sunday to reassure traditionalists when he said the "Queen and her successors" would remain as head of state in an independent Scotland.

The Guardian

Brook Leisure, the national casino chain which is also based in Barnsley, said that its record should reassure anyone with worries.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reassure" when you want to actively restore someone's confidence or reduce their anxiety. It implies a direct effort to alleviate worries.

Common error

Avoid using "reassure" when a stronger action, like guaranteeing or promising, is more appropriate. "Reassure" suggests reducing doubt, but not necessarily eliminating all risk.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reassure" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating the person or entity being made to feel more confident. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

16%

Lifestyle

14%

Less common in

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Reassure" is a versatile transitive verb used to restore confidence and alleviate anxieties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and correct word in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings, with a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse communication needs. While synonyms like "assure" or "comfort" exist, "reassure" specifically targets the reduction of existing doubts. The provided examples from Ludwig showcase its effectiveness in conveying security and diminishing fears, solidifying its place as a valuable word in the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Assure someone

A direct synonym focusing on a statement or promise intended to remove doubt.

Reassure of

Focuses specifically on reinforcing a belief or fact, often used when someone doubts something.

Set someone's mind at ease

Highlights the act of calming someone's thoughts and worries, offering a more idiomatic expression.

Put at ease

Focuses on making someone feel comfortable and relaxed, lessening tension or anxiety.

Alleviate concerns

Emphasizes the reduction of worry or anxiety, rather than a complete restoration of confidence.

Bolster confidence

Highlights the act of strengthening existing confidence, indicating that some level of assurance is already present.

Instill confidence

Focuses on actively creating a sense of trust and security, differing from simply alleviating existing concerns.

Soothe fears

Specifically addresses the act of calming anxieties and apprehensions, offering a more targeted approach.

Give confidence to

A more direct and active way of describing the act of making someone feel secure.

Comfort someone

Emphasizes providing solace and support, particularly in times of distress, differing from a general restoration of confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "reassure" in a sentence?

You can use "reassure" in a sentence to mean to restore confidence. For example, "I wanted to "reassure" my friend that everything would be alright."

What are some alternatives to "reassure"?

Some alternatives to "reassure" include "assure someone", "set someone's mind at ease", or "alleviate concerns", depending on the specific context.

When should I use "assure" versus "reassure"?

"Assure" generally means to state something confidently to remove doubt, while "reassure" implies restoring confidence that was previously shaken. Use "reassure" when someone is already anxious or uncertain.

Is it correct to say "reassure about" something?

While less common, "reassure about" can be used. It's often more natural to say "reassure of" something or simply "reassure" without a preposition, followed by a clause explaining what is being reassured.