rassicurarsi

Rassicurarsi is an Italian reflexive verb meaning to reassure oneself, to become confident or calm about a situation by obtaining information, explanations, or confirmations. The action is directed at the subject itself, reflecting an internal process of regaining or reinforcing confidence.

Etymology and nuances: the verb is formed from assicurare (to assure) with the reflexive pronoun and often carries the sense of securing one’s own peace of mind. It can imply seeking evidence or reassurance rather than relying solely on others.

Grammatical use: as a reflexive verb, it uses passato prossimo with the auxiliary essere: mi sono rassicurato/mi sono rassicurata. It can take a di-phrase or a che-clause to indicate the matter about which one reassures oneself: mi sono rassicurato di aver chiuso bene la porta; mi sono rassicurato che tutto era a posto. The present tense is mi rassicuro, ti rassicuri, si rassicura, ci rassicuriamo, vi rassicurate, si rassicurano. It is often contrasted with tranquillizzarsi (to calm down) and with rassicurare (to reassure someone else).

Usage and contexts: commonly used in everyday speech when someone seeks personal confirmation to reduce anxiety, uncertainty, or worry. It can refer to concrete actions (checking a door, a test result) or to more general assurances (knowing that plans are in order). It is neutral in tone and typically conveys a modest, self-directed effort to regain composure.

Synonyms and related terms: rassicurarsi is closely related to tranquillarsi, calmarsi, or convincersi; it emphasizes obtaining reassurance rather than an automatic emotional settling. Rassicurare is the transitive counterpart, meaning to reassure someone else.

See also: rassicurazione, assurance; less formal alternatives include cercare conferme or trovare pace.