What Is the Difference Between Insure & Ensure?

The terms "ensure" and "insure" are often used as synonyms for the verb "assure." Both words signify a perception of safety and protection, whether verbally or written. Both terms provide guarantees with certainty of either an occurrence or happening taking place or being prevented, whichever is the desired outcome.

Statement of Security

Ensure is used to describe a verbal or virtual guarantee of a particular outcome, such as the babysitter will ensure the safety of the children while their parents are away.

Ensure Feelings

Ensure speaks to making a person feel certain of the ultimate result of something.

Financially Insure

Insure involves preventive measures of protection planned-out ahead of time for safety, security and often, financial peace of mind.

Contracts Insure

Insure deals with physical documentation of a guarantee, as in contractual paperwork indicating insured vehicles, homes, boats and people.

Both Assure

Both ensure and insure provide assurance that a person or thing will be safeguarded against potential harm, making the uncertain seemingly controllable.

References

• The Blair Handbook; Toby Fulwiler & Alan R. Hayakawa; 1994

Resources

• Assure vs Ensure vs Insure Activity

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