ensure

The word “ensure” means to make certain that something happens or is true. In plain terms, to make sure of something, guaranteeing it happens.

“Ensure” is pronounced ihn-SHAW (/ɪnˈʃʊɹ/ in IPA).

Here is “ensure” used in a sentence: “Please ensure the doors are locked before you leave.”

“Ensure” is a verb.

The word “ensure” comes from Old French. From Anglo-Norman enseurer, from Old French seur ("sure"). A doublet of "insure.".

“Ensure” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

To ensure means to make certain that something happens — 'ensure the door is locked.' To insure means to protect against loss by buying insurance — 'insure your car.' British English keeps them separate; American English sometimes uses 'insure' for both, but 'ensure' is always safe for 'make certain.'

To ensure is to make a result certain; to assure is to tell someone confidently so as to remove their doubt. You ensure an outcome but assure a person. 'I assured her the plan would work' comforts a listener, while 'we ensured the plan worked' guarantees the result.

Yes, they mean the same thing — to make certain something happens or is true. The difference is tone. 'Make sure' is casual and common in everyday speech, while 'ensure' is slightly more formal and is preferred in writing, business, and official instructions.

'Please ensure all lights are switched off before leaving.' Here, ensure means make certain the lights are off. Other examples include 'staff must ensure the area is clean' and 'we ensure every order is checked' — each meaning to guarantee that something is done.