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

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

From BBC

Americans for Responsible Innovation, an advocacy group, wants Musk to become a strategic AI advisor to Trump, saying, “As artificial intelligence races ahead, the U.S. should lead the world in advancing AI safely and securely.”

From Los Angeles Times

Justices had just finished hearing a plenary session and were quickly evacuated safely, it added.

From BBC

“Our Trust & Safety team is working directly with the organizer and the funds are being safely held by our payment processors,” said Alex White, a GoFundMe spokesperson.

From Los Angeles Times

"It doesn’t bother me so long as I can find my way up and down it safely," he joked.

From BBC

Related Words

• carefully
• cautiously
• harmlessly