[Vocabulary] assure/reassure

[milan2003_07]

Hello,

Both words ("assure" and "reassure") are usually used when one person tells something to another person so as to ensure there is nothing to worry about. For example,

They assured me that everything would be provided on the spot
He assured that
He reassured his wife that her mother would manage to live with them for a couple months.

Do these words have any difference or they can be used interchangeably?

Best

 

[5jj]

If you assure somebody of something, or that something is so, you make them sure of its truth/certainty.

If you reassure somebody, you make them less nervous or worried.

 

[milan2003_07]

If you assure somebody of something, or that something is so, you make them sure of its truth/certainty.

If you reassure somebody, you make them less nervous or worried.

I see. However usually when we assure someone that something is the case we make them less nervous and worried because from now on they know that they'll get or see what they're expecting to. So the verbs are really very close in meaning. When we assure someone, we reassure them at the same time.

Or maybe you mean that when a person is worried about something you can just say a few words that will make them calm down without promising anyhing concrete?

1) I'm worried about my plane landing on time
Don't worry, we are on time and we will land at 13.00 as scheduled

Assuring. Right?

2) I'm worried about my plane landing on time
Don't worry. Our airline will try their best to provide good service and avoid delays

Reassuring. Right?

 

[vil]

I'm not a teacher.

Hi milan2003_07,

assure = affirm, confirm, ensure, guaranty, persuade, promise, secure

reassure = brace, comfort, encourage, hearten, inspirit, nerve, rally

assure = to cause (another) to believe or feel sure about something

Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/assure#ixzz1ASlStcs0

reassure = to assure again; restore confidence to

reinsure make assurance doubly sure

http://www.answers.com/reassure?afid=TBarLookup&nafid=27

V.

 

[5jj]

When we assure someone, we reassure them at the same time.

Not necessarily.

Employer:That's the third complaint I've had about you this week. I am going to have to let you go.
Employee: You can't just dismiss me like that.
Employer: I assure you I can.

Or maybe you mean that when a person is worried about something you can just say a few words that will make them calm down without promising anyhing concrete?

1) I'm worried about my plane landing on time
Don't worry, we are on time and we will land at 13.00 as scheduled

Assuring. Right? Reassuring, more likely. (The key is 'Don't worry')

2) I'm worried about my plane landing on time
Don't worry. Our airline will try their best to provide good service and avoid delays

Reassuring. Right? Yes.

3). Client: I want to make sure my shipments arrive on time.
Shipping Company Rep: Our company guarantees delivery times.

That is an assurance.