assure and promise share a recorded sense, so the question is not what they mean but which one fits. assure means “make certain of”. promise means “make a promise or commitment”. promise is the more common of the two in everyday English.
/əˈʃʊɹ/
1.v.make certain of
“This nest egg will ensure a nice retirement for us”
2.v.inform positively and with certainty and confidence
“I tell you that man is a crook!”
3.v.assure somebody of the truth of something with the intention of giving the listener confidence
“I assured him that traveling to Cambodia was safe”
/ˈpɹɑməs/
1.v.make a promise or commitment
2.v.promise to undertake or give
“I promise you my best effort”
3.v.make a prediction about; tell in advance
“Call the outcome of an election”
| assure | promise | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /əˈʃʊɹ/ | /ˈpɹɑməs/ |
| Said | uh-SHUUR | PRAH-muhs |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| Letters | 6 | 7 |
| Parts of speech | verb | verb, noun |
| Senses | 6 | 6 |
| How common | Common | Core |
| Synonyms | guarantee, ensure, insure | assure |
Full entry for assure · Full entry for promise · More comparisons