assurance
Pluralassurances
- 1A promise or statement meant to make someone feel sure and calm.
Like a friend saying "Don't worry, I've got this" to help you relax.
He gave me his assurance that the work would be finished by Friday.
The doctor's assurance that the surgery was routine calmed her nerves.
Similarpromise, guarantee, pledge, word, commitment
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- 2A feeling of being totally sure about something, with no doubts.
Like knowing for certain the sun will rise tomorrow.
We had complete assurance that the team would win the final.
There was no assurance that the rain would stop before the parade.
Similarcertainty, confidence, conviction, guarantee
Oppositedoubt, uncertainty
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- 3Strong self-confidence and a calm, steady mind.
Like a tightrope walker who never looks down.
She answered the tough questions with remarkable assurance.
He walked onto the stage with the assurance of a seasoned performer.
Similarconfidence, self-confidence, poise, composure, aplomb
Oppositediffidence, insecurity, timidity, self-doubt
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- 4A contract that pays out money when a certain event happens, such as death.
Like paying a little each month so your family gets money if something happens to you.
Her parents bought life assurance so the family would be cared for.
The assurance paid out a large sum after he died.
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- 5Bold rudeness and acting with far too much nerve.
Like a stranger who takes your seat and refuses to move.
He had the assurance to ask for a raise after just one week.
She corrected her boss in the meeting with breathtaking assurance.
Similaraudacity, nerve, impudence, effrontery, temerity
Oppositetimidity, diffidence
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- 6A legal paper that proves property has passed to a new owner.
Like a receipt that shows who now owns something.
The lawyer kept the assurance that proved she owned the land.
Without the proper assurance, the sale could not go ahead.
Similardeed, conveyance
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- 7A person's inner feeling of being sure that God has saved them.
Like a child who never doubts that a parent loves them.
After years of doubt, she finally felt the assurance that God had forgiven her.
His faith gave him a deep assurance about life after death.
Similarcertainty, conviction, confidence
Oppositedoubt
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Less common meaning
- 8A promise to marry someone, also called an engagement.
Like the promise two people make when they agree to marry.
Their assurance was announced at the feast before the whole village.
She wore his ring as a sign of their assurance.
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Practice
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Origin
From Old French asseürance, based on the word asseürer. It is like the word assure plus the ending -ance.