Assure, Ensure and Insure = Asegurar

Some time ago, a friend told me a lot of English words such as verb "to be" split into various Spanish words. On the other side, he said, English uses the same word for a lot of things.

Well, let's take a look at the opposite situation. We'll learn three English words that merge down into one in Spanish. Assure, ensure and insure can all be translated as asegurar. Let's see some examples and synonyms.

assure

Definition: Tell someone something positively or confidently to dispel any doubts they may have.
Spanish Synonyms: Afirmar, prometer
Example: Erick assured me he was coming for dinner. --> Erick me aseguró que vendría a cenar.

Definition: Make (someone) sure of something.
Spanish Synonyms: Cerciorarse, verificar, comprobar
Example: She assured herself that he was asleep. --> Se aseguró de que estuviera dormido.

ensure

Definition: Make certain that (something) shall occur or be the case.
Spanish Synonym: Garantizar(se)
Example: To ensure themselves a place in the Cup final, the Italian team must win 2-0 today's game. --> Para asegurarse un lugar en la final del campeonato, el equipo italiano debe ganar el juego de hoy 2-0.

insure

Definition: Arrange for compensation in the event of damage to or loss of (property), or injury to or the death of (someone), in exchange for regular advance payments to a company or government agency.
Spanish Synonym: cubrir, proteger (this can be synonyms, but the main word used in Spanish is asegurar)
Example: The house is insured for two million pounds. --> La casa está asegurada por dos millones de libras.

Definition: ( insure someone/something against) |figurative| secure or protect someone against (a possible contingency).
Spanish Synonyms: proteger, salvaguardar
Example: To insure the kingdom against further invasions --> Asegurar el reino de futuras invasiones.


Aditionally, secure can be translated as asegurar as well. However, secure has other meanings that are not translated like that. Thus, be careful when translating this word.

secure

Definition: fix or attach (something) firmly so that it cannot be moved or lost.
Spanish Synonyms: Fijar, remachar, reforzar
Example: I secured it with a nail. --> lo aseguré con un clavo

Definition: make (a door or container) hard to open; fasten or lock.
Spanish Synonym: reforzar
Example: We secure the front door with a chain at night. --> Aseguramos la puerta principal con una cadena en la noche.

Definition: make secure.
Spanish Synonyms: consolidar, fortalecer
Example: To secure the building --> Asegurar el edificio.