saving
n. · adj. · prep.-
1 money kept for the future (n.) B1 Intermediatethe money you have kept and not spent, usually in a bank account.
the accumulation of money set aside for future use rather than immediate consumption; typically used in the plural.
ExampleShe used her savings to buy a new car after her old one broke down.
ExampleAfter years of disciplined budgeting, they had accumulated enough savings to provide a substantial down payment on their first home.
PitfallI have a lot of saving in the bank.I have a lot of savings in the bank.When referring to the money you have kept, use the plural form 'savings'.
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2 a reduction in cost (n.) B1 Intermediatean amount of money or time that you do not have to use or spend.
a reduction in the amount of a resource, such as time or money, required for a specific purpose.
ExampleBuying the larger box offers a saving of two dollars.
ExampleThe new insulation system resulted in a significant saving on the factory's annual energy expenditure.
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3 redemptive or rescuing (adj.) C1 Advanced Formalsomething that rescues someone or makes a bad situation better.
having the property of rescuing from harm, failure, or moral damnation.
ExampleHis sense of humor was his only saving grace in a very difficult meeting.
ExampleThe protagonist's saving act of courage at the end of the novel provides a sense of moral resolution for the reader.
- redemptive
- rescuing
- compensating
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4 except for (prep.) C2 Proficiency Formal Literarya formal way to say 'except' or 'but'.
excluding; with the exception of. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
ExampleThe room was empty saving for a single wooden chair in the corner.
ExampleThe contract was finalized and agreed upon by all parties, saving for a minor clause regarding the delivery schedule.
From save + -ing.