# safer

/ˈseɪfɝ/ (US) · /sˈeɪfɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/safer
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. more protected

adjective · CEFR A2

more safe than something else; having less danger or risk.

For teachers: the comparative form of 'safe', denoting a state of increased security or reduced risk of harm.

- It is safer to cross the street at the traffic lights than in the middle of the road.
- The engineers argued that the new bridge design was significantly safer, as it could withstand much higher wind speeds than the previous model.

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.

## 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.