Word
safer
US/ˈseɪfɝ/
UK/sˈeɪfɐ/
Definition
adj. more safe than something else; having less danger or risk.
adj. the comparative form of 'safe', denoting a state of increased security or reduced risk of harm.
Examples
“It is safer to cross the street at the lights.”
“Engineers added extra support beams to make the bridge safer for heavy trucks during winter storms.”
“While the new encryption method is significantly safer than previous versions, experts warn that no digital system can ever be entirely immune to sophisticated cyberattacks.”
Examples
simple
“It is safer to cross the street at the lights.”
contextual
“Engineers added extra support beams to make the bridge safer for heavy trucks during winter storms.”
complex
“While the new encryption method is significantly safer than previous versions, experts warn that no digital system can ever be entirely immune to sophisticated cyberattacks.”
Usage
The comparative form of the adjective 'safe'.
Teaching tip
Remind students that 'safer' is the standard comparative; 'more safe' is rare and usually only used for specific emphasis or stylistic reasons.
Pitfall
This car is more safer than my old one.
This car is safer than my old one.
Do not use 'more' with 'safer' because the '-er' ending already means 'more'.