A2verb1K

Save

UK /["/seɪv/","/seɪvz/","/seɪvd/","/ˈseɪvɪŋ/"]/US /["/seɪv/","/seɪvz/","/seɪvd/","/ˈseɪvɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to keep somebody/something safe from death, harm, loss, etc.

In simple words: To keep something safe or to stop it from being lost or damaged.

Examples

  • I need to save my homework before I shut down the computer.
  • It’s important to save money for a rainy day.
  • He tried to save the game by scoring a last-minute goal.
  • Can you save me a seat at the movie theater?
  • We need to save the environment by recycling.

Usage notes

Used in various contexts, including financial savings, rescuing someone, or preserving information. It's appropriate for everyday conversation, while in formal writing, alternatives like 'preserve' might be more suitable.

Grammar pattern

save + object

Memory hint

Think of saving money in a 'safe' — you protect it for later use.

Collocations

  • single-handedly
  • possibly
  • potentially
  • be able to
  • can
  • be unable to
  • from
  • an attempt to save something
  • an effort to save something
  • a battle to save something
  • up
  • look to
  • try to
  • manage to
  • for
  • on
  • scrimp and save
  • thereby saving
  • up
  • look to
  • try to
  • manage to
  • for
  • on
  • scrimp and save
  • thereby saving
  • brilliantly
  • superbly
  • bravely

Synonyms

  • rescue
  • preserve
  • keep
  • store
  • protect

Antonyms

  • waste
  • lose
  • spend

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'safety' - 'save' is a verb, while 'safety' is a noun.
  • Using 'save' without an object - always specify what is being saved.
  • Misusing 'saving' as an adjective - it should be used as a verb.