ensure

abc   Thu Jan 04, 2007 3:16 pm GMT
Does it carry the same meaning as to make sure?
Liz   Thu Jan 04, 2007 3:50 pm GMT
It's the same as "insure''.
abc   Thu Jan 04, 2007 5:04 pm GMT
"I'm here to ensure that everything is ok"
"I'm there to make sure everything is ok"
any difference?
Guest   Thu Jan 04, 2007 6:01 pm GMT
It's a variant spelling for "insure". There pronounced identically.
jertu   Thu Jan 04, 2007 7:12 pm GMT
"I'm here to ensure that everything is ok"
"I'm there to make sure everything is ok"
any difference?

Well it's a subtle, "ensure" is pretty much a gurantee and holds more weight; while "make sure," kind of leaves it open, and is more casual.

Here is an explanation of the difference between "ensure" and "insure" from merriam-webster:
"ENSURE, INSURE, and ASSURE are interchangeable in many contexts where they indicate the making certain or inevitable of an outcome, but ENSURE may imply a virtual guarantee <the government has ensured the safety of the refugees>, while INSURE sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand <careful planning should insure the success of the party>"

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/ensure