What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
safe
Example
The children are safe in their room with the door locked. [safe: adjective]
Example
I feel safe when I'm with my family. [safe: adjective]
Example
It's safe to assume that he will arrive on time. [safe: adjective]
secure
Example
The bank vault is secure with multiple locks and alarms. [secure: adjective]
Example
The bodyguard made sure that the celebrity was secure from any threats. [secure: adjective]
Example
Please secure your seatbelt before takeoff. [secure: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Safe is more commonly used than secure in everyday language. Safe is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while secure is more specific and often used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between safe and secure?
Both safe and secure can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, secure has a slightly more formal connotation due to its technical usage in fields such as cybersecurity and finance.
