# assure

/əˈʃʊɹ/ (US) · /əʃjˈɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/assure
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to tell someone confidently

verb · CEFR B2

to tell someone that something is definitely true so they stop worrying.

For teachers: to inform someone positively or confidently to remove doubt. Transitive — typically takes a person as the direct object followed by a 'that' clause.

- I can assure you that the plane will arrive on time.
- The doctor sought to assure the patient's family that the procedure was routine and carried minimal risk.

Usage: Usually follows the pattern: assure + person + that-clause.

### 2. to make certain

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to make sure that something happens or is true.

For teachers: to make certain or secure; to ensure a particular outcome.

- We need to check the locks to assure the safety of the building.
- The new legislation was designed to assure equal access to healthcare for all citizens regardless of their income level.

Usage: In this sense, 'ensure' is often more common in modern American English, while 'assure' remains frequent in formal or British contexts.

## Examples

- I assure you that the train will arrive on time.
- The manager met with the staff to assure them that no jobs would be lost during the merger.
- The lead architect sought to assure the board that the structural integrity of the building met all safety standards despite the recent tremors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.