Assurance vs. Reassurance: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 30, 2023
Assurance is a positive declaration intended to give confidence, while reassurance is the act of restoring confidence once it has been lost or shaken.
Key Differences
Assurance and reassurance, though closely related, serve different purposes in communication. Assurance is a guarantee or pledge, given to build or instill confidence about something. It is the act of assuring someone about a particular matter or concern. On the other hand, reassurance comes into play when there has been doubt, worry, or anxiety, and one seeks to alleviate these feelings.
For instance, when a company assures its customers that their data is safe, it provides them with a proactive declaration of safety. However, if there's a data breach, and the company then tells its customers that measures have been taken to prevent it from happening again, it is offering reassurance.
Both assurance and reassurance aim to provide a sense of security, but they operate at different stages. Assurance is like the preventative measure, ensuring something is in order. Reassurance, conversely, is the remedy applied after a situation has caused insecurity or doubt.
In essence, while assurance provides an initial or proactive confidence about a situation, reassurance aims to rebuild or restore that confidence after it's been compromised.
Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
A positive declaration to instill confidence.
Restoring confidence that has been lost or shaken.
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Contextual Use
Given before any doubt arises.
Given after a doubt or concern has been presented.
Origin
From Old French "asseurance."
From the prefix "re-" + "assurance."
Example Usage
"He gave his assurance that the project would be completed on time."
"She needed reassurance after the sudden changes in the plan."
Emotional Stage
Preemptive confidence.
Restorative or reaffirming confidence.
Assurance and Reassurance Definitions
Assurance
A pledge or guarantee.
I need your assurance that you'll deliver on time.
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Reassurance
Renewing a previous assurance.
The manager's reassurance reiterated the company's commitment.
Assurance
A positive declaration to give confidence.
His assurance was enough for me to trust him.
Reassurance
An act of reaffirming trust or belief.
I needed some reassurance that we're on the right path.
Assurance
Coverage by an insurance policy.
My car has assurance against theft.
Reassurance
Alleviating doubts or fears.
A pat on the back can sometimes be all the reassurance someone needs.
Assurance
A binding commitment to do or give something.
He gave his assurance of support.
Reassurance
Providing comfort in times of distress.
The doctor's update provided much-needed reassurance.
Assurance
A statement or indication that inspires confidence; a guarantee or pledge
Gave her assurance that the plan would succeed.
Reassurance
Restoring confidence in someone.
His kind words were a reassurance to her.
Assurance
Freedom from doubt; certainty about something
Do you have any assurance that the work will be done well?.
Reassurance
To restore confidence to
I felt reassured that I was up to the job.
Assurance
Self-confidence
"I tried imitating the assurance they carried themselves with" (Alec Wilkinson).
Reassurance
To assure again
We reassured him that the project was on schedule.
Assurance
Chiefly British Insurance, especially life insurance.
Reassurance
To reinsure.
Assurance
The act of assuring; a declaration tending to inspire full confidence; something designed to give confidence.
Reassurance
The feeling of being reassured, of having confidence restored, of having apprehensions dispelled.
Assurance
The state of being assured; total confidence or trust; a lack of doubt; certainty.
Reassurance
The act of confirming someone's opinion or impression.
Assurance
Firmness of mind; undoubting steadiness; intrepidity; courage; confidence; self-reliance.
Reassurance
Reinsurance.
Assurance
Excessive boldness; impudence; audacity
His assurance is intolerable
Reassurance
Assurance or confirmation renewed or repeated.
Assurance
(obsolete) Betrothal; affiance.
Reassurance
Same as Reinsurance.
Assurance
(insurance) Insurance; a contract for the payment of a sum on occasion of a certain event, as loss or death. Assurance is used in relation to life contingencies, and insurance in relation to other contingencies. It is called temporary assurance, in the time within which the contingent event must happen is limited.
Reassurance
The act of reassuring; restoring someone's confidence
Assurance
(legal) Any written or other legal evidence of the conveyance of property; a conveyance; a deed.
Assurance
(theology) Subjective certainty of one's salvation.
Assurance
The act of assuring; a declaration tending to inspire full confidence; that which is designed to give confidence.
Whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Assurances of support came pouring in daily.
Assurance
The state of being assured; firm persuasion; full confidence or trust; freedom from doubt; certainty.
Let us draw with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience.
Assurance
Firmness of mind; undoubting, steadiness; intrepidity; courage; confidence; self-reliance.
Brave men meet danger with assurance.
Conversation with the world will give them knowledge and assurance.
Assurance
Excess of boldness; impudence; audacity; as, his assurance is intolerable.
Assurance
Betrothal; affiance.
Assurance
Insurance; a contract for the payment of a sum on occasion of a certain event, as loss or death.
Assurance
Any written or other legal evidence of the conveyance of property; a conveyance; a deed.
Assurance
Freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities;
His assurance in his superiority did not make him popular
After that failure he lost his confidence
She spoke with authority
Assurance
A binding commitment to do or give or refrain from something;
An assurance of help when needed
Signed a pledge never to reveal the secret
Assurance
A statement intended to inspire confidence;
The President's assurances were not respected
Assurance
A British term for some kinds of insurance
Assurance
Certainty in one's own abilities.
She performed with assurance on stage.
FAQs
When is reassurance typically needed?
When confidence has been lost or shaken, requiring restoration.
Can assurance be linked to insurance?
Yes, in some contexts, assurance can mean coverage by an insurance policy.
Is reassurance only given after a negative event?
Not necessarily; it can be given anytime someone needs their confidence restored.
Can a gesture offer reassurance?
Absolutely, gestures like hugs or pats can be reassuring.
Does assurance always come before reassurance?
Typically, assurance is given first, and if doubt arises, reassurance follows.
Is assurance the same as a promise?
While similar, a promise is a firm commitment, whereas assurance emphasizes confidence.
Is seeking reassurance a sign of insecurity?
Not always; it can be a natural response to uncertainty.
Is assurance always positive?
Yes, assurance is a positive declaration to give confidence.
Is "self-assurance" confidence in oneself?
Yes, it's having certainty in one's abilities.
Is assurance always verbal?
No, it can be non-verbal, written, or conveyed through actions.
Is reassurance a reaction?
Often, it's a response to someone's expressed doubt or anxiety.
Can you provide assurance without being certain?
It's best to be honest; providing false assurance can erode trust.
Can reassurance be non-verbal?
Yes, gestures, actions, or even presence can be reassuring.
Can assurance be contractual?
Yes, it can be a binding commitment in contracts.
Can reassurance be repeated?
Yes, reassurance can be given multiple times as needed.
Is there such a term as "over-reassurance"?
It's not a formal term, but excessive reassurance can sometimes be counterproductive.
Can a child seek reassurance?
Yes, children often seek reassurance when they're unsure or scared.
Can actions serve as an assurance?
Yes, actions can sometimes be a stronger assurance than words.
Does assurance mean the situation is risk-free?
No, it indicates confidence, not the absence of risk.
How often can one seek reassurance?
As often as needed, but excessive reassurance-seeking may indicate deeper issues.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
