Saving

ˈseɪvɪŋ

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonBusiness
4 meanings3 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

4 meanings
1

The act of preserving or protecting something from danger, loss, or harm.

ˈseɪvɪŋ

nounneutralBeginner
Business

The act of protecting something from harm or loss.

The saving of the historic building was a major community effort.

💡 Simply: Saving is like when you protect something precious, like your favorite toy from breaking, or help someone who is in danger. It's about making sure things are safe!

👶 For kids: Keeping something safe.

More Examples

2

The government's commitment to environmental saving is commendable.

3

We were thrilled to see the saving of the puppies from the fire.

How It's Used

General

"The saving of lives during the disaster was a priority."

Environmental

"The saving of endangered species requires significant conservation efforts."

2

Money that is set aside for future use, often in a bank account or investment.

ˈseɪvɪŋz

nounneutralBeginner
Business

Money that is kept in a bank or invested, especially to earn interest.

He had a significant amount of savings for his retirement.

💡 Simply: Savings is like the money you put aside in your piggy bank or the bank, so that you can use it for later, like buying a new toy or going on a trip! It's like setting money aside to grow.

👶 For kids: Money you keep to use later.

More Examples

2

It's important to build up savings for emergencies.

3

Their savings account earned a good amount of interest.

How It's Used

Finance

"She built up substantial savings over the years."

Personal finance

"Regular savings is crucial for financial security."

Tip:Think of putting money away in a piggy bank; you're saving for later.
3

The action of reducing costs or expenses, or avoiding waste.

ˈseɪvɪŋ

verbneutralmedium
General

The action of economizing or reducing costs.

The company is saving money by reducing staff.

💡 Simply: Imagine you want to buy something cool, but it's expensive. Saving is about finding ways to spend less money, like waiting for a sale, or making something yourself instead of buying it.

👶 For kids: Making something last longer or not using it all.

More Examples

2

They're saving time by using the express lane.

3

She's saving money on groceries by shopping at the local market.

How It's Used

Business

"The company is saving money by outsourcing."

General

"They are saving energy by using energy-efficient appliances."

Tip:Think about saving money; it's the act of keeping more of it.
4

The act of preserving or rescuing something or someone.

ˈseɪvɪŋ

verbneutralBeginner
Business

Present participle of the verb "save"

He is saving the document on his computer.

💡 Simply: When you're saving, you're like a superhero who keeps things safe. You might save your allowance by putting it in the bank, or save a friend from falling.

👶 For kids: Keeping something safe.

More Examples

2

She is saving money for a new bicycle.

3

They are saving endangered animals by protecting their habitat.

How It's Used

General

"She is saving water by taking shorter showers."

Environmental

"We are saving the planet by recycling."

Tip:Think of a lifeguard saving someone from drowning.

Idioms & expressions

Save face

To avoid humiliation or embarrassment.

"He made a quick excuse to save face after he was caught."

A penny saved is a penny earned

Saving money is just as good as earning money.

"Remember, a penny saved is a penny earned, so try to budget wisely."

Savings and Loan

A type of financial institution that specializes in savings accounts and home loans.

"The couple obtained their mortgage through their local savings and loan."

From Middle English savynge, gerund of saven (“to save”), from Old French sauver (“to save”), from Latin salvāre (“to save, make safe”), from salvus (“safe”).

The word "saving" has been used in English since the Middle Ages, derived from the verb "save". Early uses focused on protecting from harm and later expanded to include financial contexts.

Memory tip

Think of saving a drowning person; you're preserving their life.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to save, make safe"

saving moneysaving timesaving energysaving livessaving accountsaving grace

Common misspellings

saveingsavving

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written