English Reference
Noun

lifesaver

n.
B1 Intermediate US /ˈɫaɪfˌseɪvɝ/ UK /lˈaɪfseɪvɐ/ life·saver UK spelling lifesavers

n.something that helps you survive or solves a very difficult problem. You use this to describe a person or thing that is extremely useful in a dangerous or stressful situation.

n.a person or thing that provides essential help or relief in a critical situation. Often used figuratively to describe a solution to a significant problem.


SIMPLE

The new software was a lifesaver for our busy team.

CONTEXTUAL

When the car broke down on the highway, the roadside assistance service was a lifesaver for the stranded family.

COMPLEX

The discovery of the ancient manuscript proved to be a lifesaver for the historian, providing the missing evidence required to complete her decades-long research project.


From life + saver.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated