Definition

1. Noun:

   • A formal promise or assurance: A binding commitment that something will be performed or will happen, or that a fact is true.
   • Something that provides security or certainty: An object, agreement, or condition that makes an outcome more certain.
   • A person who makes such a promise: A party who accepts responsibility if another fails to meet an obligation.

2. Verb:

   • To provide a formal assurance: To promise or state with certainty that something will happen or is true.
   • To make something certain or secure: To act as a cause or condition that ensures a particular result.
   • To assume responsibility for: To pledge to be accountable for the debt, performance, or quality of another.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The watch comes with a two-year guarantee. (A written promise about the product's service.)
  • There is no guarantee of success in this venture. (No certainty that something will happen.)
  • He acted as a guarantee for his brother's loan. (A person accepting responsibility for another's debt.)

• Verb:

  • The company guarantees delivery within 24 hours. (Promises to accomplish something.)
  • Careful planning does not guarantee a positive outcome. (Make something certain.)
  • I can guarantee the authenticity of this painting. (Stand behind and assure the quality or truth.)

Advanced Usage

• "to stand guarantee for": To act as a formal guarantor, accepting financial or legal responsibility.

  • The bank required a director to stand guarantee for the company's loan.

• "money-back guarantee": A promise to refund the purchase price if the customer is not satisfied.

  • The product is sold with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Variants and Related Words

• Guarantor (n): A person or entity that gives a guarantee, especially for another's debt or performance.

  • The landlord required a guarantor for the lease.

• Guaranteed (adj): Certain to happen or be achieved; assured.

  • The job offers a guaranteed minimum income.

Synonyms

• Assurance: A positive declaration intended to give confidence.
• Warranty: A written guarantee, especially for a product.
• Pledge: A solemn promise or undertaking.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Guarantee against: To provide assurance that something will be protected from a specific risk.
  • This coating guarantees the fabric against water damage.

Related Idioms

• "A cast-iron guarantee": An absolute, unbreakable promise.

  • We need a cast-iron guarantee that the funds will be available.

• "To be a guarantee of": To serve as a sure sign or indicator of something.

  • A good education is not a guarantee of happiness.

Noun

1. a collateral agreement to answer for the debt of another in case that person defaults
2. an unconditional commitment that something will happen or that something is true
   • there is no guarantee that they are not lying
3. a written assurance that some product or service will be provided or will meet certain specifications

Verb

1. stand behind and guarantee the quality, accuracy, or condition of
   • The dealer warrants all the cars he sells
   • I warrant this information
2. promise to do or accomplish
   • guarantee to free the prisoners
3. make certain of
   • This nest egg will ensure a nice retirement for us
   • Preparation will guarantee success!
4. give surety or assume responsibility
   • I vouch for the quality of my products