Safely means doing something in a way that avoids danger, harm, or risk. When you cross the street safely, you look both ways, wait for the right moment, and walk carefully. When a pilot lands a plane safely, all the passengers arrive without injury.

The word describes acting with care and good judgment. A scientist handles chemicals safely by wearing protective equipment and following procedures. A rock climber who checks their gear twice is climbing safely. You store leftovers safely in the refrigerator so they won't spoil and make someone sick.

Safely often means thinking ahead about what could go wrong and taking steps to prevent it. It's the opposite of acting recklessly or carelessly. When your parents remind you to ride your bike safely, they mean: wear your helmet, obey traffic rules, and stay alert to your surroundings.

The word can also mean “without doubt” or “for certain,” though this usage is less common. You might safely assume that school will be closed during a blizzard, meaning you can be confident about that conclusion.