Reassuringly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a fashion that promotes feelings of steadiness and trust Performed to alleviate worries and provide comfort Executed in a style aimed at enhancing confidence and reducing anxiety
2. Done in a way that helps calm fears and instills a sense of safety
3. Expressed to ease uncertainty and make someone feel more secure

Etymology: "Reassuringly" is a plain formation: the adjective "reassuring" with the adverb ending "-ly" added. "Reassuring" comes from the verb "reassure," which joins the prefix "re-" (here meaning "again" or "back") to "assure," from the Latin root "securus" for "free from care." The "-ly" ending goes back through Middle English "-ly" and Old English "-līce," and further to Proto-Germanic "*-līkō," an ancestor that also gave English words like "likely" and "lovely." Its meaning is "in the manner of," so "reassuringly" means "in a manner that restores confidence."

Synonyms: comfortingly, soothingly, assuringly, calmingly, encouragingly

Antonyms: alarmingly, worryingly, distressingly, frighteningly, upsettingly