Definition

1. Verb:
   • To give or restore confidence in; cause to feel sure or certain: To remove someone's doubts or fears by saying or doing something supportive.
   • To cause to feel sure; give reassurance to: To provide comfort and a renewed sense of security to someone who is anxious or uncertain.

Usage

The verb "reassure" is used when someone addresses another person's anxiety, doubt, or fear. It involves offering words, actions, or evidence intended to rebuild confidence. It is a transitive verb, typically followed by a direct object (the person being reassured) and often by a clause starting with "that" or a prepositional phrase with "about."

Examples

• Basic Usage:

  • The doctor reassured the patient about the simple procedure.
  • I tried to reassure him that his job was secure.
  • Her calm demeanor reassured the entire team.

• With a "that" clause:

  • The manager reassured the staff that there would be no layoffs.
  • Can you reassure me that the door was locked?

• With an "about" phrase:

  • The pilot reassured the passengers about the smooth flight ahead.
  • Parents often need to reassure children about monsters under the bed.

Advanced Usage

• "To reassure oneself": To consciously attempt to calm one's own fears or doubts.

  • She reassured herself by double-checking all the calculations.

• Used in a passive construction:

  • The public was reassured by the government's swift response.
  • Feeling reassured, she finally went to sleep.

Variants and Related Words

• Reassurance (noun): The action of reassuring; something that is said or done to reassure.
  • He needed constant reassurance from his friends.
• Reassuring (adjective): Making someone feel less afraid or doubtful.
  • She gave him a reassuring smile.
• Reassuringly (adverb):
  • The doctor nodded reassuringly.

Synonyms

• Assure: To tell someone positively to dispel doubt. (Often focuses more on making a promise or guarantee.)
• Comfort: To ease grief or trouble. (Has a stronger connotation of soothing emotional pain.)
• Soothe: To calm or placate. (Often used for physical or emotional agitation.)
• Bolster: To support or strengthen. (Can be used for confidence or morale.)

Antonyms

• Alarm: To cause sudden fear or anxiety.
• Unnerve: To make someone lose courage or confidence.
• Frighten: To make afraid.
• Daunt: To discourage or intimidate.

Related Phrases and Constructions

• "To find something reassuring": To perceive something as a source of comfort or confidence.
  • I find it reassuring to know you're nearby.
• "In a reassuring tone/manner": Describing how reassuring words are delivered.
  • He spoke in a reassuring tone.

Verb

1. give or restore confidence in; cause to feel sure or certain
   • I reassured him that we were safe
2. cause to feel sure; give reassurance to
   • The airline tried to reassure the customers that the planes were safe