Reading Theme:
Security: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：feeling of safety (security)
security
/sɪˈkjʊərəti/
n.
The feeling or state of being safe, stable, and free from worry or danger.
feeling of safety
➕
feeling of safety
n.
This meaning refers to the subjective emotional state of being free from fear, anxiety, or harm. It's about inner peace and confidence derived from a safe environment or situation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'securus' ('se-' meaning 'without' + 'cura' meaning 'care, worry'). Literally 'without care', indicating freedom from anxiety.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: **'See? Cure? I feel safe!'** The 'se-' sounds like 'see', and 'cure' is in the middle. When you see a cure for danger, you feel security.
📖 Example
After passing through airport security, the family finally felt a sense of security knowing their journey could begin smoothly.
After passing through the safety checks at the airport, the family experienced a comforting feeling of being protected and worry-free, confident their trip would start without issues.
🔗 Collocations
sense of security – the feeling of being safe and protected
emotional security – a feeling of stability and safety in one's relationships or environment
🔄 Synonyms
safety (n.) – The condition of being protected from danger, risk, or injury. Focuses more on the objective state rather than the feeling.
peace of mind (n. phrase) – A state of mental tranquility and freedom from worry.
🚫 Antonyms
insecurity (n.) – A feeling of uncertainty or lack of confidence about oneself or a situation.
anxiety (n.) – A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
🌱 Derivatives
secure (adj.) – Fixed or fastened so as not to give way; safe from threat or danger.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from the Latin word 'securus' (safe, secure), which entered English via Old French 'securité'. In modern culture, its financial meaning (collateral or tradable financial asset) is prominent, giving rise to terms like 'securities market' or 'Security Council' in the United Nations, which is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
Meaning 2：protective measures (security)
security
/sɪˈkjʊərəti/
n.
Measures or systems that are put in place to protect people, places, or things from danger or crime.
protective measures
➕
protective measures
n.
This meaning refers to the concrete systems, procedures, personnel, or equipment implemented to prevent unauthorized access, damage, theft, or other threats.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The new apartment building has excellent security, including a coded door entry and 24-hour CCTV cameras.
The recently constructed apartment complex is equipped with highly effective safety systems, such as keypad door locks and round-the-clock video monitoring.
🔗 Collocations
tight security – strict and effective protective measures
security system – a set of devices and procedures designed to protect a place
security guard – a person employed to protect property or people
🔄 Synonyms
protection (n.) – The action of keeping someone or something safe from harm. Can be broader than physical systems.
safeguard (n.) – A measure taken to protect someone or something from potential danger.
🚫 Antonyms
vulnerability (n.) – The quality of being easily hurt or attacked; susceptibility to harm.
🌱 Derivatives
insecurity (n.) – The state of not being protected or safe.
Meaning 3：collateral for a loan (security)
security
/sɪˈkjʊərəti/
n.
Something valuable (like a house or car) that you give to a bank when you borrow money, which they can take if you fail to pay back the loan.
collateral for a loan
➕
collateral for a loan
n.
In finance, this refers to an asset pledged by a borrower to a lender as a guarantee for the repayment of a loan. If the borrower defaults, the lender can seize this asset.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
When starting his business, he used his car as security to get a small loan from the bank.
To obtain a business startup loan from the bank, he offered his personal vehicle as a guaranteed pledge for repayment.
🔗 Collocations
provide security – to offer an asset as a guarantee for a loan
loan security – the asset that backs or guarantees a loan
🔄 Synonyms
collateral (n.) – An asset pledged as security for a loan. A more specific financial term.
guarantee (n.) – Something that gives a formal assurance, often acting as security for a fulfillment of a condition.
🌱 Derivatives
securities (n. (pl.)) – Tradable financial assets, such as stocks or bonds.
Wordbook
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