Save
/seɪv/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo prevent someone or something from dying, being hurt, or being destroyed; to keep for future use.
/seɪv/
To rescue someone or something from danger or harm.
The lifeguard was able to save the swimmer from drowning.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is about to fall! Saving them means grabbing them so they don't get hurt. Saving also means putting money aside for later, like getting a piggy bank.
👶 For kids: To help someone or something from getting hurt or lost.
More Examples
I save a portion of my paycheck every month.
The new policy will save the company from bankruptcy.
How It's Used
"The firefighters managed to save the child from the burning building."
"Saving money for retirement is important."
To store data in a computer system.
/seɪv/
To keep information or data.
Don't forget to save the document before shutting down your computer.
💡 Simply: When you type on your computer, saving is like putting your work in a special box so you can come back to it later. In a video game, saving is like taking a snapshot of where you are, so you don’t have to start over.
👶 For kids: To keep something safe in a computer or game.
More Examples
He saved the game after reaching the checkpoint.
She saved the image in a new folder.
How It's Used
"Remember to save your work before closing the document."
"I always save my progress before trying a difficult level."
To avoid the unnecessary use or waste of something (e.g., time, money, energy).
/seɪv/
To avoid wasting something (e.g., time, money, effort).
Cutting down on electricity use will save money.
💡 Simply: Saving here is like using your time, money, or energy wisely, like choosing to walk instead of driving to save gas.
👶 For kids: To use something carefully so you don't waste it.
More Examples
This shortcut will save you a lot of time.
By carpooling, we can save on fuel costs.
How It's Used
"The new energy-efficient appliances will save you money."
"Using public transport saves time and reduces traffic."
An act of preventing someone or something from being harmed or destroyed; also, money kept in a bank or invested.
/seɪv/
An act of saving.
The goalkeeper made a fantastic save.
💡 Simply: A 'save' can be like when a goalie stops the ball in soccer or like the money you keep in a bank.
👶 For kids: When you stop something bad from happening or the money you put away.
More Examples
She has a significant amount of savings.
A last-minute save prevented the team from losing.
How It's Used
"The goalie made an amazing save."
"The bank offers a good interest rate on your savings."
Synonyms
Conserve
Preserve
Protect
Rescue
Retain
Archive
Backup
Avoid
Deposit
Funds
Preservation
Protection
Idioms & expressions
save face
To avoid embarrassment or humiliation.
"He made a joke to save face after he forgot the speech."
save someone's bacon
To rescue someone from a difficult or embarrassing situation.
"His quick thinking saved my bacon when the boss walked in."
save the day
To prevent a bad situation from happening or making a situation successful.
"The last-minute donation saved the day for the charity."
From Old French *salver*, from Latin *salvare* 'to save, keep safe', from *salvus* 'safe'.
The word 'save' has been used since Middle English, initially with broader meanings of 'to keep safe' and 'to deliver'.