Reassuring

/ˌriəˈʃʊrɪŋ/ adjective

Definition

Giving comfort, confidence, or relief by removing doubts or fears.

Etymology

From 're-' (again) plus 'assure,' from Old French 'asseurer,' from Latin 'ad' (to) and 'securus' (safe). The prefix 're-' suggests restoring a sense of security.

Kelly Says

The word 'reassure' literally means 'to make safe again'—implying someone was safe before and needs that feeling restored. It's psychologically smart: we don't just need safety, we need to remember we had it and can have it again, which is why reassurance is so powerful for anxiety.

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