safe

The word “safe” means free from danger, harm, or risk. In plain terms, protected from danger or risk — or, for objects, a locked box for keeping things secure.

“Safe” is pronounced SAYF (/ˈseɪ̯f/ in IPA).

Here is “safe” used in a sentence: “The children were safe inside before the storm hit.”

Words with a similar meaning to “safe” include guarded, invulnerable, OK, out of harm's way, protected and safe and sound.

The opposite of “safe” — its antonyms — are unsafe, dangerous and hazardous.

Depending on how it is used, “safe” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “safe” comes from Latin. From Old French sauf, from Latin salvus ("whole, unharmed") — the same root that gives us "salvage" and "save.".

“Safe” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

Safe means free from danger or harm right now, while secure means protected against future threats or firmly fixed in place. A child asleep at home is safe; a locked door keeps the house secure. The two overlap, but 'secure' stresses protection and stability, 'safe' stresses the absence of harm.

The main opposites are 'dangerous', 'unsafe', 'risky', and 'hazardous', all describing exposure to possible harm. 'Unsafe' is the plain negative, while 'dangerous' and 'hazardous' stress a real threat, and 'risky' suggests an uncertain, chancy outcome. Each is the reverse of being free from danger.

This common saying advises taking sensible precautions now to avoid regret later. It is wiser to act carefully and prevent harm than to be careless and suffer the consequences. The phrase encourages caution, suggesting that a little extra effort to stay safe is worth avoiding a much bigger problem.

It can describe both. A person is safe when they are out of danger, as in 'the passengers are safe'. Situations, places, and things can also be safe, meaning they carry little risk, such as a safe neighbourhood or a safe investment. The core idea of freedom from harm stays the same.