Rest Assured: Definition, Meaning and Origin

Last Updated on
May 8, 2023

The idiom "rest assured" means to feel confident or certain that something will happen or be true. When someone tells you to rest assured, they are offering reassurance and expressing that you can trust or rely on a particular outcome.

In short:

"Rest assured" means to feel confident and certain that something will happen or be true, often used as a way of offering reassurance.

What Does "Rest Assured" Mean?

People use the idiom "rest assured" when they want to convey certainty, confidence, or assurance about a specific outcome or fact. People often use this phrase to comfort or reassure someone in times of doubt or uncertainty.

  • Expressing certainty or confidence
  • Offering reassurance
  • Used in both formal and informal settings

Where Does "Rest Assured" Come From?

The mid-15th century saw the use of the word "rest" to mean "to be left" or "to remain." Its origins can be traced back to the Old French word "rester," meaning "to remain," and the Latin term "restare," meaning "to stand back" or "be left," which is derived from the prefix "re-" meaning "back," and the root "stare" meaning "to stand." By the 16th and 17th centuries, the phrase "rest assured" had become commonplace. This idiomatic expression uses "assured" to convey the meaning of "certain" or "confident," allowing for a sense of mental repose and certainty about a specific outcome or fact.

Historical Examples

"Rest assured, dear friend, that many noteworthy and great sciences and arts have been discovered through the understanding and subtlety of women..."

- The Book of the City of Ladies, Christine de Pizan, 1405

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself - rest assured."

- Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1933

10 Examples of "Rest Assured" in Sentences

Here are some examples of the idiom "rest assured" used in various contexts:

  • Just checking in; rest assured, we have every confidence you'll nail the new product launch.
  • I can rest assured knowing that my children are safe with their grandparents.
  • Rest assured, and we will work hard to integrate the new team members into the department.
  • You can rest assured that the team will work hard to meet the deadline.
  • Rest assured and your confidential information will remain secure.
  • Rest assured, once you've done everything in your power to solve a problem, sometimes it's best to let it be.
  • Rest assured, and I will personally oversee the matter to ensure a satisfactory outcome.
  • You can rest assured that the repairs will be completed by the end of the day.
  • Rest assured, and your feedback has been taken into account.
  • Rest assured, and we are rooting for you to succeed in your endeavors.

Examples of "Rest Assured" in Pop Culture

The phrase has appeared in various forms of media and pop culture:

  • "Rest Assured" is a 2014 mystery book by J.M. Gregson.
  • "And if there are any irregularities to be found, rest assured they will be" is a line from the war/action movie "Inglorious Basterds" (2009).
  • "I don't wanna spoil it for you, but you rest assured by the time the trip is over, you get the girl, kill the bad guys and save the entire planet" is a quote from the 1990 sci-fi movie "Total Recall."

Other/Different Ways to Say "Rest Assured"

There are several other ways to express the meaning of "rest assured" in English.

Some of these alternatives include:

  • Be confident that
  • Have no doubt
  • Count on it
  • Trust me
  • Be certain that
  • Have faith in

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Rest Assured":

  • What does "rest assured" mean?

"Rest assured" means to feel confident and certain that something will happen or be true, often used as a way of offering reassurance.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "rest assured"?

The phrase "rest assured" originates from the concept of resting one's mind or thoughts, free from anxiety or worry. The word "rest" comes from the Old English "ræst" or "rest," meaning a repose, a pause, or a quiet state. The word "assured" comes from the Old French "asseurer," meaning to reassure or promise.

  • How can I use "rest assured" in a sentence?

You can use "rest assured" in a sentence to express certainty, confidence, or reassurance, such as, "Rest assured, I will complete the task tout de suite once I receive the necessary information."

  • Is "rest assured" formal or informal?

"Rest assured" can be used in both formal and informal settings, depending on the context and tone of the conversation.

  • Are there any synonyms for "rest assured"?

Some synonyms for "rest assured" include be confident that, have no doubt, count on it, trust me, be certain that, and have faith in.

  • How do I know when to use "rest assured" versus "be confident" or "don't worry"?

'Rest assured' is stronger and more emphatic than 'be confident' or 'don't worry.' Use "rest assured" when you want to promise or reassure someone in a very definite way. 

  • What does it mean when someone says "rest assured"?

When someone says "rest assured," they are offering reassurance and expressing that you can trust or rely on a particular outcome or fact.

  • Is "rest assured" an idiom?

Yes, "rest assured" is an idiom that conveys the idea of feeling certain or confident in a particular outcome or fact.

  • Is it possible to use "rest assured" in a negative context?

'Rest assured' can be used in a negative context if the certainty being offered is about an unfavorable outcome. For example, "Rest assured, there will be consequences for this mistake."

  • Is "rest assured" a common phrase in English?

Yes, "rest assured" is a common phrase in English and is used frequently in daily conversation and written communication to offer reassurance or convey certainty.

Final Thoughts About "Rest Assured"

To sum up, the idiom "rest assured" refers to feeling confident and certain about a specific outcome or fact. It is often used to provide reassurance or express certainty in various situations. This expression can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile and useful phrase in the English language.

Key takeaways about the idiom "rest assured":

  • Conveys a sense of certainty, confidence, or reassurance about a specific outcome or fact
  • It has its origins in the concept of mental repose and certainty, dating back to the mid-15th century
  • It can be used in both formal and informal settings
  • It has several alternative expressions, such as "be confident that," "have no doubt," "count on it," 'trust me,' and "have faith in."

Understanding and utilizing the idiom "rest assured" can help you effectively convey reassurance or confidence in various situations, enabling you to comfort and support others when needed.

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