What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reassure
Example
I reassured my friend that everything would be okay. [reassured: past tense verb]
Example
The doctor reassured the patient that the procedure was safe. [reassured: past participle]
soothe
Example
The mother soothed her crying baby by rocking him gently. [soothed: past tense verb]
Example
The lotion helped soothe the sunburn on my skin. [soothe: present tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reassure is more commonly used than soothe in everyday language. Reassure is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while soothe is more specific and often used in the context of physical comfort.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reassure and soothe?
Both reassure and soothe can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but reassure may be slightly more formal due to its neutral tone.
