safely

[seyf-lee]

adverb

1. without harm or injury.

   The travel team has arrived safely and on schedule.

2. without risk or danger.

   While we sit safely in our air-conditioned homes complaining, he’s driving across the country working for change.

3. in a way that protects from loss, damage, or harm.

   I wanted that piece of paper safely filed away, just in case I needed to look at it again.

4. without likelihood of being wrong; with reasonable assurance.

   I think we can safely say that the zoo expects some puma kittens later this year!

Other Word Forms

• quasi-safely adverb
• supersafely adverb
• unsafely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of safely¹

safe + -ly

Example Sentences

“I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!” he wrote at the time.

Read more on Salon

AI can substantially cut teacher workloads and help pupils learn but schools need clearer guidance on how to use it "safely and ethically", the education watchdog has said.

Read more on BBC

My tent set up and food safely stored in the provided metal boxes, I went over to the tiny beach and sat on a driftwood log, relaxing under the sun’s warm rays.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Under the new law, landlords must provide a stove capable of generating heat for cooking and a refrigerator capable of safely storing food for new leases starting Jan. 1, 2026.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“This is a priority for the California delegation — to make sure our constituents are returned safely. And we are putting pressure on Israel to do that.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• carefully 
• cautiously 
• harmlessly www.thesaurus.com