The Hutchinson Encyclopedia has the skinny.
To assure something is to make certain it will happen: Victory is assured for the younger, fitter boxer as he has the advantage. To ensure something is to take steps to make sure that something happens: Seat belts should ensure that you will be unhurt in an accident. To insure something is to take precautions against something undesirable happening: The concertgoers insured against disappointment by buying their tickets early.Posted by torque at February 18, 2005 3:56 PM | TrackBack