havens
|ha-vens|
🇺🇸
/ˈheɪ.vənz/
🇬🇧
/ˈheɪ.v(ə)nz/
(haven)
safe place
Etymology
'haven' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hæfen', where 'hæfen' meant 'harbour, port'.
'haven' changed from Old English 'hæfen' and is related to Old Norse 'höfn' and Middle Low German 'hafn', eventually becoming the modern English word 'haven'.
Initially, it meant 'harbour, port', but over time it evolved to include the broader meaning of 'place of safety or refuge' and extended figurative uses (e.g., 'tax haven').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a place of safety or refuge where people or animals are protected from danger or trouble.
Many coastal towns served as havens for refugees during the storm.
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Noun 2
a harbor or port where ships can find shelter and safety.
The navy established temporary havens for the damaged vessels.
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Noun 3
(Figurative) A place or environment that provides favorable conditions or protection for a particular activity or group (e.g., tax havens for financial activity).
Some small countries have become havens for offshore banking and financial services.
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Last updated: 2025/10/06 22:28