How to pronounce safety
Say it like SAYF-tee. Safety has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAYF).
- SAYF
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Safety pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SAYFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of safety
American and British speakers say safety in essentially the same way: /ˈseɪfti/ in the US and /ˈseɪfti/ in the UK.
British respelling: SAYF-tee.
What does safety mean?
- The condition or feeling of being safe; security; certainty.“If you push it to the limit, safety is not guaranteed.”
- A safety lock or safety catch: a mechanism on a weapon or dangerous equipment designed to prevent accidental firing or operation.“Be sure that the safety is set before proceeding.”
- Preservation from escape; close custody.
- To secure (a mechanical component, as in aviation) to keep it from becoming detached even under vibration.
- to secure a firing pin, as in guns, to keep the gun from firing
Where does safety come from?
Inherited from Middle English savete, from Old French sauveté, from earlier salvetet, from Medieval Latin salvitās, salvitātem, from Latin salvus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying safety
How do you pronounce safety?
Say SAYF-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˈseɪfti/. In British English it is /ˈseɪfti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in safety?
Safety has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAYF). Broken into parts: SAYF · tee.
Do Americans and Brits say safety the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈseɪfti/ and the British form is /ˈseɪfti/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.