Guarantee
UK /["/ˌɡærənˈtiː/","/ˌɡærənˈtiːz/","/ˌɡærənˈtiːd/","/ˌɡærənˈtiːɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌɡærənˈtiː/","/ˌɡærənˈtiːz/","/ˌɡærənˈtiːd/","/ˌɡærənˈtiːɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to promise to do something; to promise something will happen
In simple words: A promise that something will happen or be done.
Examples
- I can guarantee that you will enjoy this movie.
- The company guarantees a full refund within 30 days of purchase.
- The warranty will guarantee you peace of mind for three years.
- They guarantee customer satisfaction as their top priority.
- No one can guarantee the outcome of the election.
- The bank cannot guarantee that loans will be approved.
- Please sign the document to guarantee your commitment.
- He offered to guarantee her safety during the trip.
Usage notes
Use 'guarantee' when you want to express certainty about an outcome. It's suitable for both written and spoken English, but avoid in casual conversations where simpler words like 'promise' may suffice.
Grammar pattern
guarantee + object
Memory hint
Think of 'garant' as a guardian that ensures things are safe and sound.
Collocations
- absolutely
- personally
- constitutionally
- be able to
- can
- be fully guaranteed
- absolutely
- almost
- practically
Synonyms
- promise
- warranty
- pledge
- assurance
- commitment
Antonyms
- doubt
- uncertainty
- dispute
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'ensure' — 'guarantee' implies a stronger promise.
- Incorrectly using 'guarantee' without a direct object — always specify what is guaranteed.
- Mixing up 'guaranteed' as an adjective instead of a past participle.