Word
lifesaver
Phoneticslife·saver
US/ˈɫaɪfˌseɪvɝ/
UK/lˈaɪfseɪvɐ/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The new software was a lifesaver for our busy team.”
“When the car broke down on the highway, the roadside assistance service was a lifesaver for the stranded family.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Etymology
From life + saver.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/lifesaver