assurance

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noun as·sur·ance \ə-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s\

Definition of assurance

1 : the state of being assured: such asa : a being certain in the mind the puritan's assurance of salvationb : confidence of mind or manner : easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty spoke with assurance about his future plans; also : excessive self-confidence : brashness, presumptionc : security
2 : something that inspires or tends to inspire confidence gave repeated assurances of goodwill
3 : the act or action of assuring someone or something: such asa : pledge, guarantee You have my solemn assurance that it is true.b : the act of conveying real property (see ¹real 1); also : the instrument (see ¹instrument 4) by which it is conveyedc chiefly British : insurance

See assurance defined for English-language learners

See assurance defined for kids

Examples of assurance in a Sentence

They lent us the money with the assurance that they would be repaid soon.
He has the assurance of continued support from his boss.
He spoke with quiet assurance about his future plans.
She gave him every assurance that she would be there when he returned.

Recent Examples of assurance from the Web

The b’hoys, feeling taunted by a Brit in their backyard, made assurances of their own.

— betsy golden kellem, Smithsonian, "When New York City Rioted Over Hamlet Being Too British," 19 July 2017
Though McDaniel is a private college, Hungarian diplomats sought assurances from the government of Maryland.

— tim prudente, baltimoresun.com, "Maryland, Hungary strike deal that leaves Budapest campus of McDaniel College open," 14 July 2017
The goal will be to maintain the status quo, only now with the assurance that the state at some point will begin paying them.

— rafael guerrero, Elgin Courier-News, "Elgin agencies welcome first state budget in two years," 7 July 2017
While making these assurances to CARB, Pamio and more than a dozen other VW executives and managers were secretly developing defeat devices, according to New York’s complaint.

— tom schoenberg, Bloomberg.com, "Ex-Audi Manager Charged by U.S. in Emissions-Cheating Case," 6 July 2017
A city report says Charlotte needs about 34,000 affordable housing units to meet the need, more than double a decade ago, despite assurances from city leaders to fix the problem.

— fred clasen-kelly, charlotteobserver, "‘We can’t be bought.’ Can this Charlotte neighborhood stop investors from moving in?," 30 June 2017
All applications will be reviewed by three firms, which will score cultivators based on operation plans, security, quality assurance and finances.

— jessie balmert, Cincinnati.com, "State keeps medical marijuana grow applications secret," 29 June 2017
District Judge Paul Diamond said he was not inclined to trust Williams' assurances about appearing for sentencing set for Oct. 24, so ordered him immediately jailed.

— CBS News, "Philadelphia DA pleads guilty, quits and is sent immediately to jail," 29 June 2017
While some brands might come and go, Cushman & Wakefield offers assurance that craft beer snobs will not run out of options — except, perhaps, in Mississippi, which still has only nine craft breweries and 0.4 breweries per capita.

— james briggs, Indianapolis Star, "Indiana keeps adding breweries as craft beer growth nears 'fifth inning'," 27 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'assurance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of assurance

see assure

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of assurance

confidence, assurance, self-possession, aplomb mean a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment. confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance. the confidence that comes from long experience assurance carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers. handled the cross-examination with complete assurance self-possession implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers. answered the insolent question with complete self-possession aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations. handled the reporters with great aplomb

ASSURANCE Defined for English Language Learners

assurance

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noun

Definition of assurance for English Language Learners

: the state of being sure or certain about something
: a strong feeling of confidence about yourself or about being right
: a strong and definite statement that something will happen or that something is true

ASSURANCE Defined for Kids

assurance

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noun as·sur·ance \ə-ˈshu̇r-əns\

Definition of assurance for Students

1 : the act of making sure or confident You have my assurance that it's true.
2 : the state of being sure or confident I lent him money with assurance that I would be repaid.
3 : self-confidence She spoke of her plans with quiet assurance.

Law Dictionary

assurance

noun as·sur·ance

Legal Definition of assurance

1a : the act of assuring b : guarantee 3
2 : the act of conveying real property; also : the document by which it is conveyed
3 chiefly Brit : insurance