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 Words From

• qua·si-safe·ly adverb
• su·per·safe·ly adverb
• un·safe·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of safely¹

safe + -ly

Example Sentences

Sheriff’s Arson Explosives Detail bomb technicians deployed a robot to safely assess and render the package safe, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

The process is energy-intensive, and the concentrated end product is difficult to transport safely.

From Science Daily

Bancroft’s great-grandmother, who was a young girl at the time, was among those who escaped from the fort and safely made the journey back home on foot.

From Los Angeles Times

The pilot and passenger of the Cessna aircraft, owned by First Take Aviation LLC, were able to exit safely after the crash before firefighters arrived.

From Los Angeles Times

For displacement to be lawful, civilians must be moved safely and provided with accommodation and essential supplies.

From BBC

Related Words

• carefully
• cautiously
• harmlessly