C1verb2K

Reassure

UK /["/ˌriːəˈʃʊə(r)//ˌriːəˈʃɔː(r)/","/ˌriːəˈʃʊəz//ˌriːəˈʃɔːz/","/ˌriːəˈʃʊəd//ˌriːəˈʃɔːd/","/ˌriːəˈʃʊərɪŋ//ˌriːəˈʃɔːrɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌriːəˈʃʊr/","/ˌriːəˈʃʊrz/","/ˌriːəˈʃʊrd/","/ˌriːəˈʃʊrɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to say or do something that makes somebody less frightened or worried

In simple words: To make someone feel calm or safe again.

Examples

  • They tried to reassure her, but she still felt anxious.
  • The doctor reassured him that there was nothing seriously wrong.
  • She needed to be reassured of his love for her.
  • He was constantly reassuring himself that he had acted for the best.
  • Kate nodded, but she didn't feel reassured.
  • Often parents simply need reassuring that their children are happy at school.
  • The report will do much to reassure parents of children at the school.
  • They tried to reassure the public about the safety of public transport.

Usage notes

Use 'reassure' when helping someone feel better about a situation. It's appropriate in most contexts, but avoid it in very casual or joking situations.

Grammar pattern

reassure + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 're-assure' — think of giving someone a second round of comfort.

Collocations

  • constantly
  • quickly
  • be able to
  • can
  • help (to)
  • about
  • of
  • with
  • feel reassured
  • need reassuring

Synonyms

  • put/set somebody’s mind at ease/rest

Antonyms

  • agitate
  • disturb
  • worry

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'ensure' — remember, 'reassure' is about feelings.
  • Using 'reassure' without an object — always tell who you are reassuring.
  • Mixing up past forms — 'reassured' not 'reassure' for past events.