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save

SAYV /seɪv/

verbnounA1

neutral

To keep and store up something, especially money, for future use; to prevent from being harmed, lost, or wasted.

While primarily meaning to put aside money, 'save' also broadly refers to preserving or rescuing something. It's a fundamental concept in finance and resource management.

The story behind the word. The word 'save' comes to us from Old French 'sauver,' which itself derived from the Latin 'salvare,' meaning 'to save, make safe.' This Latin root 'salvus' meant 'safe' or 'healthy.' So, when you save something, you're essentially making it safe for later use or preventing it from being lost or harmed. It's a word with a long history of protecting things!

Word relationships

accumulate: To gather or acquire an increasing number or quantity of something over time, often more actively than 'save'.
store: To keep or put away for future use, often implying a physical location.
preserve: To maintain (something) in its original or existing state, often implying protection from decay or damage.

spend: To give money to pay for goods, services, or debts.
waste: To use or expend carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose.
lose: To cease to have or retain (something).

Commonly confused with

conserve: 'Save' is broader, meaning to keep from loss or use. 'Conserve' specifically means to protect from harm or destruction, often implying careful, efficient use of a resource.

Word family

saver (noun): A person who saves money or resources.
saving (noun): Money or resources kept for future use; an economy or reduction in money, time, or other resources.
saved (adjective): Kept or rescued from harm or loss.

Collocations

save money
save time
save energy
save for a rainy day
save up
save face
save a life

Idioms & expressions

save for a rainy day
save your breath
save the day
save face

Example sentences

"She decided to save a portion of every paycheck to build a substantial retirement fund." Financial planning for retirement.
"We must work together to save our planet's endangered species from extinction." Environmental conservation efforts.
"A penny saved is a penny earned." A classic quote about financial wisdom.

Memory hook

To SAVE money, put it in a SAFE place. SAFE for later

When not to use

Avoid using 'save' when a more specific term like 'hoard' (implying excessive accumulation) or 'conserve' (implying careful use of resources) is more appropriate for the context.

Fun facts

The phrase 'God save the King/Queen' uses 'save' in its older sense of 'protect' or 'preserve'.

Related words

conserve, budget, nest egg

Explore more words

conserve, savings, protect, preserve, preservation, conservation