safe

/seɪf/
adjectivenounBeginner
general

protected from harm, injury, or danger

The bank vault is designed to be safe from burglars.

The bank vault is designed to be protected from burglars.

She felt safe walking home with her friends.

She felt protected walking home with her friends.

💡

Can refer to physical safety or a sense of security.

general

a container or place designed to protect something from damage or theft

He stored his valuables in a safe.

He stored his valuables in a secure container.

The fireproof safe kept important documents secure.

The fireproof container kept important documents secure.

💡

Often used to refer to a strongbox or vault.

Collocations

safe and soundunharmed and in good conditionsafe beta choice that is likely to succeedsafe havena place of refuge or security

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

play it safephrase
to avoid risks
safe to sayphrase
it is certain
safe and soundphrase
unharmed and in good condition

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Safe' is often used to describe a state of being free from danger or harm, as well as a physical container designed to protect valuables.

Gold Rule

Adjective vs. Noun

As an adjective, 'safe' describes a state of being protected. As a noun, it refers to a physical container or place designed to protect something from damage or theft.

📖Word Origin

From Old English 'sæf', meaning 'secure' or 'protected', related to Old Norse 'sǽfr' and Old High German 'sēf'.

📝Usage Notes

As an adjective, 'safe' describes a state of being protected. As a noun, it refers to a container designed to protect valuables.

Word Breakdown

safe
protected or secure
root
English Dictionary