reassure
Meaning
to say or do something to remove someone's doubts or fears
to make someone feel less worried about a problem or situation
Structure
Usage
the doctor tried to reassure the patient that the procedure was routine and safe.
he called home to reassure his parents that he had arrived safely.
the government's swift action helped to reassure the public during the crisis.
Etymology
the word "reassure" is a relatively modern english formation, first appearing in the late 16th century. it was created by combining the latin prefix "re-," meaning "again," with the existing english verb "assure," which itself derives from the latin "assecurare" (to make secure). the literal construction implies the action of making someone secure or confident once more, or again. this etymological logic maps directly to the modern meaning: to restore a sense of certainty or comfort that had been lost or diminished.
Analysis
- re: a prefix of Latin origin, meaning "again" or "back," indicating repetition or restoration. - assure: a verb of Latin origin (via Old French), from 'ad-' (to) + 'securus' (secure), meaning to make certain or confident.