Safely
What it means
In a way that avoids likely harm or danger.
Reach for it when describing action that avoids unreasonable risk of injury, damage, or loss
The guide brought everyone safely across the river.
Words to choose between 8
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional |
|
| formal |
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everyday
Fits when attentive prevention of error matters
Careful Care can reduce risk without making the action safe.
-
everyday
under control
Fits when hazards are actively managed
Careful Control can fail and should not replace specific safeguards.
-
everyday
without incident
Fits when the outcome is known to have had no mishap
Careful A lucky outcome does not prove the method was safe.
-
professional
cautiously
Fits when uncertainty calls for slower guarded action
Careful Excessive caution should not be mistaken for verified safety.
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professional
Fits when duty to others and consequences matters
Careful Responsible action includes more than safety.
-
professional
Fits when firm attachment or protection from intrusion is central
Careful Securely does not cover every health or operational risk.
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formal
Fits when no injury or damage results
Careful Harmlessly says nothing about the risk taken.
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formal
Fits when foresight about future risk guides the choice
Careful Prudence covers financial and strategic risk beyond physical safety.
Opposites 3
- dangerously
- recklessly
- unsafely
Common phrases 3
-
arrive safely
The ferry helped every island resident arrive safely before dark.
-
work safely
Apprentices learn to work safely before increasing speed.
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store safely
The clinic can store safely only the medicines listed in the protocol.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated