Definition of: assurance

(ə·shr′əns) noun
1. The act of assuring; a being assured.
2. A positive or encouraging declaration.
3. Full confidence; undoubting conviction.
4. Self-confidence; firmness of mind.
5. Boldness; effrontery.
6. Brit. Insurance. Synonyms: arrogance, assertion, assumption, boldness, confidence, effrontery, impudence, presumption, self-assertion, self-confidence, self-reliance, trust. Confidence is founded upon reasons; assurance is largely a matter of feeling. In the bad sense, assurance is a vicious courage, with belief of one's ability to outwit or defy others; it is less gross than impudence, which is (according to its etymology) a shameless boldness. Assurance appears in act or manner; impudence, in speech. Effrontery is impudence defiantly displayed. Compare BELIEF, CERTAINTY, EFFRONTERY, FAITH, IMPUDENCE, PRIDE. Antonyms: bashfulness, confusion, consternation, dismay, distrust, doubt, hesitancy, misgiving, shyness, timidity.