ensure
ihn-SHAW
Ensure (verb) means to make certain that something happens or is true. Example: “Please ensure the doors are locked before you leave.”
verb
1
To make certain that something happens or is true.
"Please ensure the doors are locked before you leave."
"The coach worked hard to ensure the team was ready for the final."
"Double-check the settings to ensure the backup runs every night."
How to use ensure
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make sure of something, guaranteeing it happens.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "insure" (to protect financially against loss) or "assure" (to tell someone confidently that something is true).
Common pairings
ensure that
ensure safety
ensure quality
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- ensures
- Past tense
- ensured
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Please _____ the doors are locked before you leave.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman enseurer, from Old French seur ("sure"). A doublet of "insure."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ensure
See all rhymes for ensure →Frequently asked questions
What does “ensure” mean?
The word “ensure” means to make certain that something happens or is true. In plain terms, to make sure of something, guaranteeing it happens.
How do you pronounce “ensure”?
“Ensure” is pronounced ihn-SHAW (/ɪnˈʃʊɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ensure” in a sentence?
Here is “ensure” used in a sentence: “Please ensure the doors are locked before you leave.”
What part of speech is “ensure”?
“Ensure” is a verb.
Where does the word “ensure” come from?
The word “ensure” comes from Old French. From Anglo-Norman enseurer, from Old French seur ("sure"). A doublet of "insure.".
Is “ensure” a common word?
“Ensure” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between ensure and insure?
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.'
What is the difference between ensure and assure?
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.
Is 'ensure' the same as 'make sure'?
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.
What is an example of 'ensure' in a sentence?
'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.
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