Salvation: meaning, definitions and examples

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salvation

 

[salˈveɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious belief

The act of saving or protecting from harm, risk, loss, destruction, or sin. In Christianity, salvation is the deliverance of humankind from sin and its consequences through Jesus Christ.

Synonyms

deliverance, redemption, rescue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
salvation

Often used in religious or spiritual contexts to describe the saving of a soul from sin and its consequences. It can also mean being saved or protected from harm or a dire situation.

  • Many people seek salvation through prayer
  • The community saw the new bridge as a salvation from isolation during the rainy season
redemption

Frequently used in both religious contexts and everyday situations. In religion, it refers to being saved from sin, while in general usage, it can mean making something right, paying off a debt, or restoring one’s worth or reputation.

  • She sought redemption for her past mistakes
  • His acts of kindness were seen as his redemption
rescue

Best used for situations involving the act of saving someone from immediate danger or harm. It is more general and can be applied to both physical and non-physical rescues.

  • The firefighters' quick action led to the rescue of the trapped family
  • He felt an urgent need to rescue his friend from the bad situation
deliverance

Typically used when referring to the action of being rescued or set free from a difficult or dangerous situation. Often has a religious or spiritual connotation.

  • The knight's timely arrival was their deliverance from the enemy
  • They prayed for deliverance from their suffering

Examples of usage

  • Many people find salvation through their faith.
  • She prayed for salvation from her troubles.
  • The concept of salvation is central to many religions.
Context #2 | Noun

secular belief

The act of saving or protecting from harm or danger. It can also refer to the preservation or deliverance from destruction, difficulty, or evil.

Synonyms

help, relief, rescue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
salvation

Used in a religious or spiritual context to indicate being saved from sin or its consequences. It can also mean being saved from a dire situation.

  • Many people seek salvation through faith and good deeds.
  • Finding a job was his salvation from poverty.
rescue

Used in situations where someone is saved from a dangerous or harmful situation. It often involves a physical action or intervention to remove someone from danger.

  • The firefighters were commended for the rescue of the trapped hikers.
  • He attempted to rescue the drowning child.
relief

Used when referring to an alleviation of pain, stress, or difficulty. It often implies a sense of release or comfort after a period of discomfort.

  • The medicine provided immediate relief from the pain.
  • There was a sense of relief when the storm passed.
help

A general term used when assistance is needed or given. It can be applied in almost any situation where someone provides aid or support.

  • I need help with my homework.
  • She decided to help him fix his car.

Examples of usage

  • The lifeguard's quick action was a salvation for the drowning swimmer.
  • Education can be a salvation for those in poverty.
  • Finding a job was her salvation from financial ruin.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'salvatio', which means 'to save'.
  • In Old French, it was transformed to 'salvation', further solidifying its roots in the concept of safety and rescue.
  • The concept appears in various languages with similar meanings, showing a common human desire for protection.

Religion

  • In Christianity, salvation primarily refers to being saved from sin and its consequences, a gift believed to come through faith in Jesus.
  • Many religions have their unique views on salvation, with various practices aimed at achieving it, like prayer, meditation, or good deeds.
  • Buddhism views salvation as enlightenment, where individuals escape the cycle of rebirth and suffering.

Psychology

  • The feeling of salvation can also be linked to emotional healing, providing individuals with relief from pain or distress.
  • In therapeutic contexts, personal 'salvation' may be achieved through support systems or coping mechanisms that nurture well-being.
  • The concept can foster resilience, encouraging individuals to seek transformative experiences in times of crisis.

Literature

  • The theme of salvation as redemption is frequently explored in classic literature, such as in 'A Christmas Carol', where Scrooge finds a new path.
  • Many stories depict a hero's journey where the quest for personal salvation drives the narrative, reflecting human struggles.
  • Authors like Dante in 'The Divine Comedy' illustrate salvation as a profound journey of self-discovery and moral choice.

Cultural Views

  • Cultural traditions around the world often celebrate moments of 'salvation', marking transformations or new beginnings.
  • Festivals and rituals across various cultures symbolize salvation, such as New Year celebrations that represent hope and renewal.
  • Art and music frequently portray the journey of seeking salvation, with many songs and paintings capturing the struggle and joy involved.

Translations

Translations of the word "salvation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 salvação

🇮🇳 उद्धार

🇩🇪 Erlösung

🇮🇩 keselamatan

🇺🇦 спасіння

🇵🇱 zbawienie

🇯🇵 救済 (きゅうさい)

🇫🇷 salut

🇪🇸 salvación

🇹🇷 kurtuluş

🇰🇷 구원 (救援)

🇸🇦 خلاص

🇨🇿 spása

🇸🇰 spása

🇨🇳 救赎 (jiùshú)

🇸🇮 rešitev

🇮🇸 frelsun

🇰🇿 құтқарылу

🇬🇪 ხსნა

🇦🇿 xilas

🇲🇽 salvación

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,567, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.