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salvation

n.
US //sæɫˈveɪʃən// UK //sælvˈeɪʃən// sal·va·tion
  1. 1 rescue from failure (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that saves you from a difficult or dangerous situation.

    the act of saving or protecting from harm, risk, or destruction; often refers to a person or thing that provides this rescue.

    Example

    The new investment was the company's salvation after a very difficult year.

    Example

    For many small businesses in the region, the government's emergency grant proved to be their only salvation during the economic downturn.

  2. 2 religious saving (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Religion

    the state of being saved from the power of evil or sin.

    the deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith.

    Example

    The priest spoke to the people about finding salvation through prayer.

    Example

    The central theme of the sermon focused on the possibility of eternal salvation for those who demonstrate genuine repentance.

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  1. 3 improvement or restoration (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    the process of making something better or fixing its old problems.

    the process of being restored or improved, specifically by removing poor conditions or moral failings.

    Example

    The old building's salvation came when a local group decided to turn it into a library.

    Example

    The architect viewed the urban renewal project as the physical salvation of a district that had been neglected for decades.

Origin

From Middle English savacioun, from Old French savaciun, salvaciun, from Latin salvātiō. Displaced native Old English hǣlu.

Word family

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