[General] What's the difference between Assure and Ensure?

[Colee]

I'm in need of assistance since I can't wrap my head around these two terms. Assure and Ensure sound so similar to me and I tend to use them arbitrary. Now I saw some differences between these two words and I still can't figure it out. On top of it all, when I speak with my English speaking friends I know I've used this words wrong and they didn't correct me, are English speaking natives confused about this thing as well ?
Thanks in advance

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

The definitions aren't bad. But to be fair, some of the link is confusing. For instance, this example is wrong: "I ensure you that your child will be fine with us."

No. I don't ensure you. I assure you!

Colee, look in a better dictionary. Print dictionaries are usually better than online. (I assure you that using a print dictionary will ensure that the definition is correct.)

Meanwhile here are more examples:

- I assured him that the ladder is safe. / I inspected the ladder to ensure that it's safe.

- Can you assure me that they'll cash my check? / Let me phone them to ensure that they'll cash your check.

- She doubted that I would return and needed to be assured. / She made me leave her my wallet, watch, keys, smartphone, and ring to ensure that I would return.​

To assure is kind of like promising. To ensure is kind of like getting insurance.

 

[SoothingDave]

You assure a person. Remove doubts. Promise.

You ensure that an outcome or event will happen.