What is rescue? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "rescue" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. Primary Meaning: To Save Someone from Danger

This is the most common understanding of "rescue." It means to save someone from a dangerous or perilous situation.

• Example: “The firefighters rescued the trapped miners from the collapsed mine.”
• Example: “The coast guard rescued the swimmer who was struggling in the ocean.”
• Key Phrases: "Rescue someone from..." "Rescue [someone]..."

2. Figurative Meanings – Saving Something Else

“Rescue” can be used more broadly to describe saving something other than a person.

• Saving a pet: “The animal shelter rescued a stray kitten and gave it a loving home.”
• Saving a business: “The investors rescued the failing company with a massive loan.”
• Saving a relationship: "Therapy helped rescue their marriage." (Meaning to save or repair)
• Saving a piece of artwork: "The conservators rescued the painting from decay."
• Saving a concept/idea: “The historian rescued a forgotten story from being lost to time.” (Meaning to preserve or revive)

3. As a Verb (Action) & As a Noun (The Act of Rescuing)

• Verb: “The police rescued the hostages.” (The action of saving)
• Noun: “The rescue operation was a huge success.” (The act itself)

4. “Rescue” as a Verb – To Obtain or Recover Something

Less commonly, “rescue” can mean to obtain or recover something, often illicitly or by force. This usage is often more negative.

• Example: "The thieves rescued the stolen jewels from the museum.” (They obtained them illegally.)
• Example: "The soldiers rescued the captured prisoners of war." (They recovered them.)

5. Phrasal Verbs with "Rescue"

• Rescue out of: “The paramedics rescued her out of the burning building.”
• Rescue from: “We rescued the puppy from the shelter.”

Here’s a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning	Example	Context
Save from danger	“The cavalry rescued the town.”	Literal rescue – people in peril
Save something else	“They rescued a rare orchid.”	Saving an object or concept
Obtain/Recover	“The smugglers rescued the contraband.”	Often illicit or forceful recovery

Tips for Using “Rescue” Correctly:

• Context is key: Always consider the surrounding words to determine the intended meaning.
• Be specific: Instead of just saying "They rescued," try to specify what was rescued and how.
• Consider synonyms: Depending on the context, words like “save,” “retrieve,” “recover,” “salvage,” or “rescue” might be more appropriate.

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To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

• What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use "rescue"? (e.g., writing a story, giving a presentation, just wanting to learn more generally?)