ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reassuring

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɹiəˈʃʊɹɪŋ// UK //ɹˌiːəʃjˈɔːɹɪŋ// re·as·sur·ing

adj. making you feel less worried or afraid. You use this to describe something that gives you back your confidence.

adj. serving to restore confidence or alleviate anxiety. Often used predicatively after linking verbs or attributively to describe a gesture, tone, or piece of information.


SIMPLE

It is reassuring to know that the police are nearby.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor gave me a reassuring smile before explaining that the surgery was a routine procedure.

COMPLEX

Despite the volatile market conditions, the CEO's steady tone and detailed recovery plan proved deeply reassuring to the anxious shareholders.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Commonly follows linking verbs like 'be', 'feel', or 'sound'. Often paired with the 'it is... to' construction.

Pitfall

I am very reassuring about the news.I am very reassured by the news.Learners confuse the active 'reassuring' (the thing that gives comfort) with the passive 'reassured' (the person receiving comfort).

© 2026 English Reference