safely
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈeɪfli/
US
- /ˈseɪfli/
Description
- Without danger
- securely
- cautiously
To do something safely means to do it in a way that avoids danger or harm. It is about protecting yourself and other people. You might cross the street safely by looking both ways, or store cleaning products safely by following the instructions. We all want our loved ones to travel safely and get home without trouble. The word "safely" tells us how something is done. It shows that the action happens with care, in a way that helps prevent injury, damage, or loss.
The word "safely" describes doing something in a way that avoids danger, harm, injury, or loss. It often suggests that care was taken before or during the action. For example, "The hikers descended the mountain safely despite the worsening weather" suggests that they were careful and made it down without being hurt.
"Safely" is often used for physical situations, such as driving safely, handling tools safely, storing medicine safely, or arriving somewhere safely. In these cases, it highlights care, protection, and the absence of danger. It can also be used in a wider sense. For example, "She invested her money safely" means she chose a low-risk way to protect it. In some situations, people also use it to talk about emotional safety, such as sharing thoughts safely in a supportive group.
The word is an adverb, and it modifies verbs by telling us how something is done. It is often used with verbs like travel, drive, arrive, return, store, handle, or cross. You do not just return; you return safely. You do not just store a chemical; you store it safely.
When you hear "safely," think of care, caution, and protection. The word points to actions done in a way that reduces risk and helps people or things remain unharmed.
Examples
- 1
Driving
Please drive safely on your way home.
- 2
Outdoor travel
The hikers got back safely before dark.
- 3
Travel documents
Keep your passport safely in your bag when you travel.
- 4
Online safety
Children need to learn how to use the internet safely.
- 5
Harmless action
You can safely ignore that message because it is just spam.
Pattern
can safely do + action
do it without causing a problem
- 6
Confident statement
I think we can safely say the meeting was a success.
Phrase
can safely say
say something with confidence
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- safelyadverb