assurance

A firm promise intended to remove someone's worries or doubts.

• He gave me an assurance that it was safe.
• We need written assurances before we agree.
• Despite her assurances, I still felt worried.

How to use it: an assurance that… (We received an assurance that the work would be finished.); an assurance of something (They wanted an assurance of continued support.)

Similar words: promise, guarantee

Common phrases: give an assurance, written assurance, assurance of safety, give assurance

Confidence in yourself and your ability to act or speak without fear.

• She spoke with assurance.
• He handled the difficult questions with quiet assurance.
• Her assurance grew as she gained experience.

Similar words: confidence, self-confidence, poise

Opposites: insecurity, diffidence

Common phrases: with assurance, quiet assurance, speak with assurance

A feeling of being completely sure that something is true or will happen.

• I cannot say with assurance that he is right.
• Their assurance of success soon disappeared.
• She had complete assurance that the plan would work.

How to use it: assurance of something (They began the journey with assurance of a safe return.)

Similar words: certainty, confidence, conviction

Opposites: doubt, uncertainty

Common phrases: complete assurance, assurance of success, with absolute assurance