assurance
UK: əˈʃʊərəns | US: əˈʃʊrəns
n. a positive declaration intended to give confidence
n. confidence or certainty in one's abilities or character
n. (Insurance) a financial guarantee or coverage
assurance = assure<to make certain> + ance<noun suffix>
- assure: Derived from Old French asseurer (to reassure, secure), from Latin ad- (to) + securus (safe, secure).
- ance: A noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality (e.g., "importance," "resistance").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin securus (free from care), combining ad- (toward) and cura (care). Over time, asseurer in Old French evolved to mean "to reassure," and the suffix -ance was added to nominalize the concept of certainty or confidence. The modern sense reflects both emotional certainty (e.g., self-assurance) and contractual guarantees (e.g., insurance assurance).
She gave me her assurance that the project would be completed on time.
His calm assurance during the crisis inspired the team.
The bank requires written assurance of repayment.
Life assurance policies provide financial security for families.
Despite his lack of experience, he spoke with surprising assurance.