# safest

/ˈseɪfəst/ (US) · /sˈeɪfəst/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/safest
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

the most secure or least dangerous choice among several options. You use this when comparing things to find the one with the lowest risk.

For teachers: the superlative form of 'safe', indicating the highest degree of security or the lowest level of risk within a group. Often follows the definite article 'the' and precedes a noun.

## Examples

- The safest way to cross the street is at the light.
- Experts agree that keeping your money in a regulated bank account is the safest option for long-term savings.
- While every investment carries some degree of risk, government bonds are traditionally regarded as the safest asset class during periods of extreme market volatility.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the most safest way" but "the safest way" — Safest is already the superlative form; adding 'most' is a double superlative error.

## Usage notes

- Superlative adjective; typically preceded by 'the' and followed by a noun or used after a linking verb.

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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.