Guarantee

Definition

Guarantee refers to a formal assurance that certain conditions will be fulfilled, such as the quality, performance, or durability of a product or service. As a noun, it indicates a promise or assurance, and as a verb, it means to provide such a promise or assurance.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɡærənˈtiː/
• Respelling: GARR-uhn-tee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɡærənˈtiː/
• Respelling: GARR-uhn-tee

Etymology

The word "guarantee" originates from the Old French "garantie," meaning "protection" or "warranty," which is derived from "garant" (a protector or surety). Its roots can be traced to the Frankish "warant" (to secure or protect) and the Proto-Germanic "*warjaną*" (to defend).

Derivatives

• Guaranteed (adjective/verb, past tense)
• Guarantor (noun)
• Guaranteeing (verb)
• Guaranteeable (adjective)
• Guarantees (noun/verb, plural/present tense)

Synonyms

• Assurance
• Promise
• Warranty

Antonyms

• Uncertainty
• Doubt
• Refusal

Usage

The term "guarantee" is widely used in business, legal, and everyday contexts to provide assurance or backing. For example, "The product comes with a money-back guarantee," or "I guarantee that the work will be completed on time."

Related Terms

• Warranty: A formal promise or assurance regarding a product's condition.
• Commitment: An obligation or pledge to do something.
• Assurance: Confidence or certainty in a promise or action.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A formal assurance that conditions will be fulfilled: Refers to a promise made to ensure the quality or performance of a product or service.
  • Example: "The washing machine comes with a one-year guarantee."
• A promise of financial security or protection: Indicates backing for an agreement or obligation.
  • Example: "The bank required a guarantee for the loan."

Verb

• To provide a formal assurance or promise: Refers to offering certainty or confidence in an outcome.
  • Example: "I can guarantee that the delivery will arrive on time."
• To make secure or protect against failure: Describes securing or backing an agreement.
  • Example: "The contract guarantees your investment."