English Reference
verb · noun

guarantee

v. · n.
US /ˌɡɛɹənˈti/ UK /ɡˌæɹɑːntˈiː/ guar·an·tee UK spelling guaranteeing, guarantees

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.to promise that something will definitely happen or be true.

    v.to provide a formal assurance or promise that a specific condition will be fulfilled or an event will occur.

    Simple

    The travel agent could not guarantee that the weather would be sunny during our trip.

    In context

    While the investment firm can offer historical data, they cannot guarantee future returns in such a volatile market environment.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to make it certain that something will happen.

    v.to make an outcome certain or inevitable.

    Simple

    Winning this final game will guarantee the team a place in the championships.

    In context

    The implementation of these rigorous safety protocols will effectively guarantee a significant reduction in workplace accidents over the coming year.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    n.a written promise from a company to fix a product if it breaks within a certain time.

    n.a formal, often written, assurance that a product will meet certain standards of quality or be repaired/replaced if found defective.

    Simple

    The new refrigerator comes with a five-year guarantee on all parts and labour.

    In context

    The consumer decided to purchase the extended guarantee, providing peace of mind against potential mechanical failure after the manufacturer's initial period expired.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.something that makes you sure that a particular thing will happen.

    n.a thing that serves as an assurance that a certain condition or event will be fulfilled.

    Simple

    There is no guarantee of success in this business, even if you work very hard.

    In context

    The treaty provides a diplomatic guarantee that both nations will respect the established maritime borders without further military intervention.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    n.money or property given as a promise that a debt will be paid.

    n.a formal pledge, such as a sum of money or property, given as security for the fulfilment of an obligation or debt.

    Simple

    He used his house as a guarantee for the large business loan he took from the bank.

    In context

    The bank required a personal guarantee from the company directors before approving the credit facility for the new infrastructure project.

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Phys.org· 15 Aug 2026

From Old French guarantie (perhaps via a later Spanish garante), from the verb guarantir (“to protect, assure, vouch for”), ultimately from Old Frankish warjand, warand (“a warrant”), or from guaranty. Doublet of guaranty and warranty.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin frk *warjand
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated