securely
/sɪˈkjʊəli/ (bre, ipa) · /sɪˈkjʊrli/ (ame, ipa)
securely — adverb
1. done in a way that protects people, money, information, or valuable things from
done in a way that protects people, money, information, or valuable things from being lost, stolen, or damaged.
The museum keeps its most valuable paintings securely in a room with alarms and cameras.
collocation: securely keeps / securely stored
After the storm warning, the villagers moved securely to the concrete shelter on higher ground.
Parents should teach their children how to behave securely when strangers approach them online.
The family's savings are invested securely in a government-protected fund that rarely loses value.
- safely
more common and general; 'securely' often implies intentional planning for protection
- without risk
a phrase rather than a single adverb; more explicit about danger avoidance
- protected
adjective form emphasising the state rather than the manner
- unsafely
the direct negative, though less common
- dangerously
broader in meaning, covers both physical and abstract risk
文法句型
securely + verb (stored/kept/invested)
verb + securely
用法筆記
Commonly modifies verbs related to storing, protecting, or moving items (store, keep, invest, move, back up). The focus is on avoiding harm or loss, not on physical tightness.
常見錯誤
2. in a way that is fastened, closed, or positioned so tightly that nothing moves,
in a way that is fastened, closed, or positioned so tightly that nothing moves, falls, opens, or breaks.
Diego fastened the tent ropes securely to the metal pegs hammered into the ground.
collocation: fastened securely
The heavy bookshelf was bolted securely to the wall so it would not tip over.
passive: was bolted securely to [surface]
Make sure the lid of the medicine bottle is screwed on securely before putting it away.
The movers packed the glass cups securely in bubble wrap and placed them upright in boxes.
The ladder needs to be held securely by another person while you climb up to the roof.
文法句型
verb + object + securely
securely + verb (fastened / tied / bolted)
用法筆記
Commonly modifies verbs of fastening, closing, or positioning (fasten, bolt, lock, screw, tie, pack, hold, attach). Unlike sense 1, the emphasis is on physical tightness and stability rather than protection from danger.
常見錯誤
3. in a calm and confident way, without worry or doubt — for example, feeling that
in a calm and confident way, without worry or doubt — for example, feeling that a relationship is lasting, or trusting that a decision will work out well.
After living with the family for two years, the exchange student felt securely part of the household.
collocation: felt securely part of
Noor securely trusted that her business partner would handle the negotiations fairly.
securely + trusted + that-clause
The old dog rested securely on his blanket, knowing his owner would take care of him.
After winning three tournaments in a row, the young swimmer securely believed she could make the national team.
- confidently
the most direct alternative, emphasising self-assurance
- trustingly
closer to the sense of relying on someone or something without worry
- without worry
a phrase that captures the freedom from anxiety
- calmly
focuses on the absence of agitation rather than trust
- anxiously
the most common opposite for the emotional sense
- insecurely
directly related — 'insecure' is the adjective form of lacking confidence
- doubtfully
captures the absence of trust or certainty
文法句型
securely + verb (believed / trusted / felt)
verb + securely
用法筆記
Frequently appears with verbs of belief, trust, or feeling (believe, trust, feel, rest, know). The focus is on inner calm and confidence rather than physical safety or stability. Less common than senses 1 and 2 in everyday speech.