Saving

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -eɪvɪŋ

Origin

From save + -ing.

Full definition of saving

Noun

1. A reduction in cost or expenditure.The shift of the supplier gave us a saving of 10 percent.
2. (countable, usually plural) Something (usually money) that is saved.I invested all my savings in gold.
3. (uncountable) The action of the verb to save.
4. (obsolete) exception; reservation
• L'EstrangeContend not with those that are too strong for us, but still with a saving to honesty.

Verb

1. Present participle of save

Adjective

1. (theology) That saves someone from damnation; redemptive. from 14th c.
2. Preserving; rescuing.
• Bible, Psalms xxviii. 8He is the saving strength of his anointed.
3. Thrifty; frugal. from 15th c.a saving cook
• 1932, Lewis Grassic Gibbon, Sunset Song, Polygon 2006 (A Scots Quair), p. 14:Three of her bairns were drowned at sea, fishing off the Bervie braes they had been, but the fourth, the boy Cospatric, him that died the same day as the Old Queen, he was douce and saving and sensible, and set putting the estate to rights.
4. Bringing back in returns or in receipts the sum expended; incurring no loss, though not gainful.a saving bargainThe ship has made a saving voyage.
5. Making reservation or exception.a saving clause

Preposition

1. With the exception of; except; save.
• Bible, Revelations ii. 17And in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
2. Without disrespect to.
• ShakespeareSaving your reverence.
• BurnsSaving your presence.

Derived terms

• life savings
• saving grace