safe
safe
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for the word "safe" is /seɪf/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
seɪ:
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative (the "s" sound)
/eɪ/ - diphthong, starting with a mid-front vowel and gliding to a high-front vowel (the "a" sound in "face")
f:
/f/ - voiceless labiodental fricative (the "f" sound)
Word Form Variations
safe (adjective): Describes something that is protected from danger or harm. Example: The money is safe in the vault.
safe (noun): A strong fireproof cabinet or vault for the protection of valuables. Example: We keep important documents in the safe.
safes (noun, plural): More than one safe. Example: The bank has several safes.
safely (adverb): In a safe manner. Example: The plane landed safely.
safeness (noun): The state of being safe. Example: The safeness of the neighborhood is a concern. (This one is less common)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective:
Definition: Protected from or not exposed to danger or risk; secure. Also, cautious and careful to avoid danger or risk.
Synonyms: secure, protected, guarded, unharmed, unendangered, sound, reliable, dependable, trustworthy, prudent, cautious
Antonyms: dangerous, risky, hazardous, unsafe, insecure, vulnerable, exposed, threatened, precarious, reckless
Noun:
Definition: A strong fireproof container (such as a metal cabinet or vault) used for storing valuables.
Synonyms: vault, strongbox, coffer, repository, lockbox, strongroom, depository
Antonyms: (While there isn't a direct antonym, you could consider) flimsy box, weak container, open storage
Adverb:
Definition: In a safe manner; without risk or danger.
Synonyms: securely, safely, without harm, cautiously, carefully, prudently
Antonyms: dangerously, unsafely, recklessly, hazardously, carelessly
Verb (Less common, but can be used):
Definition: To make safe; to protect from danger or harm; to secure. (Often used in a reflexive sense: "safeguard")
Synonyms: protect, secure, safeguard, shield, defend, preserve, ensure, guarantee
Antonyms: endanger, jeopardize, imperil, threaten, risk, compromise, expose
Noun (Less common, referring to a type of financial product):
Definition: A financial instrument, such as a bond, considered to have low risk.
Synonyms: low-risk investment, secure investment, fixed-income security
Antonyms: high-risk investment, speculative investment, volatile security
Examples of Use
Books:
"He felt safe in her arms." (This is a common trope in fiction, demonstrating the emotional security aspect of "safe.") While I can't cite a specific book for this general sentiment, it appears countless times in romance, thrillers, and other genres.
"The treasure was hidden in a secret compartment behind the safe." (Common in mystery and adventure novels, highlighting the "safe" as a physical object.) Again, a general example, appearing in numerous works.
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"The company issued a statement saying the product is safe for consumers." (News articles about product safety, often after recalls or concerns arise.) You can find examples by searching news sites for "[product name] safe" or "[company name] safety."
"Experts recommend practicing safe sex to prevent the spread of STIs." (Public health articles and campaigns. Search reputable health organizations' websites, like the WHO or CDC, for examples.)
"The bank assures customers that their deposits are safe and insured." (Financial news and bank advertisements. Look for articles about banking regulations or bank stability.)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"Safe and Sound" (Title of a popular song by Capital Cities, using "safe" metaphorically.)
"Keeping the area safe" (Common dialogue in police procedurals and action movies, demonstrating the protective aspect of "safe.")
"Is it safe?" (A famous line from the movie Marathon Man, highlighting the uncertainty and danger in a particular situation.)
"The password must be kept safe." (Advice given in online security videos and tutorials.)
General Public Discourse:
"I feel safe walking in this neighborhood." (A common statement about personal security and community.)
"Wear a mask to keep yourself and others safe." (Public health advice during pandemics.)
"Drive safely!" (A common parting phrase, emphasizing caution.)
"The data is backed up to a safe location." (Everyday conversation about technology and data security.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Safe
“To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others — to make them feel safe.” — Nelson Mandela (paraphrased for emphasis on “safe”)
“A ship is always safe at shore—but that is not what it is built for.” — Albert Einstein (attributed; exact source debated)
“The only truly safe place for a sheep is in the care of the shepherd.” — Psalm 23 paraphrase (biblical reference)
“If you want to feel safe, build walls. If you want to grow, break them.” — Original
“You are safe, you are seen, you are strong.” — Brené Brown (inspired by her themes on vulnerability and belonging)
“Playing it safe is the riskiest choice you can make.” — Seth Godin
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends — when we no longer felt safe.” — Martin Luther King Jr. (paraphrased)
“Sometimes being safe means being silent. But safety should never cost you your voice.” — Original
“She made homes out of people, and safe places out of words.” — Original / poetic
“I just want to be where love feels safe and silence isn’t awkward.” — Original
Etymology
Let's break down the etymology of "safe" in a way that's easy to understand.
The word "safe" comes from the Latin word salvus, which means "healthy" or "unharmed." Think of it like "salvation" – it shares the same root and the idea of being rescued or protected.
Over time, salvus evolved. It became salvo in Italian, and then made its way into Old French as sauf. This Old French word sauf carried the meaning of "safe, secure," and it's from here that English borrowed the word "safe."
The first recorded use of "safe" in English dates back to around the 13th century. Initially, it was used primarily as an adjective, meaning "free from danger" or "protected." So, people might have talked about a "safe journey" or a "safe place."
The noun form of "safe," referring to the strongbox for valuables, appeared a bit later, around the 16th century. It makes sense that the word for "protected" would eventually be used to describe the container itself that offered that protection.
So, to recap, "safe" essentially traveled from Latin (healthy/unharmed) through Italian and French, finally arriving in English. It started as an adjective describing a state of being protected, and later became a noun referring to the object that provides that protection. It's a word that has carried the core idea of security and well-being for centuries.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Safe
Phrases (Common & Less Common):
Safe and sound: This is a very common phrase, meaning unharmed and well.
Safe bet: A choice or action that is very likely to succeed.
Safe haven: A place of safety or refuge.
Safe harbor: Similar to "safe haven," but often used in a nautical or financial context.
Safe zone: An area where people are protected from danger or harm (physical or emotional).
Keep safe: To protect someone or something from danger.
Play it safe: To be cautious and avoid risks.
Safe as houses: (British) Very secure and reliable.
Better safe than sorry: A common proverb expressing the importance of caution.
To be on the safe side: Taking extra precautions to avoid potential problems.
Idioms (Less Common & Related Concepts):
Safe pair of hands: A reliable and trustworthy person. (Uses a related concept)
Close call/near miss: While not using "safe," these idioms describe a situation where something dangerous almost happened. (Related concept)
Cut it fine/walk a tightrope: These idioms describe situations where someone is taking risks, the opposite of being "safe." (Contrast)
Cover all bases: To take all necessary precautions. (Related concept)
Fort Knox: A metaphor for something extremely secure. (Related concept)
Original Phrases and Examples (to illustrate the challenge):
"He built a safe world around himself, shielding himself from any vulnerability." (This is an example of a more metaphorical use, but not a standard idiom.)
"Her heart felt safe within the walls of his love." (Again, a more poetic and figurative use.)
Why "Safe" is Idiom-Challenged:
The reason "safe" doesn't generate a lot of common idioms is that it's already a fairly concrete and direct term. Idioms often arise from more metaphorical or abstract uses of language. "Safe" is already pretty close to its core meaning in most contexts, so it doesn't need as much figurative stretching to create new meanings. The phrases that do exist tend to be quite literal extensions of the basic idea of being protected.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of safe from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
