Wary

way-ree

/ˈweəri/ (British)
/ˈwɛəri/ (American)

Adjective

Meaning

  • Wary means being cautious, alert, and careful to avoid danger, risks, or unwanted situations.
  • It describes someone who is watchful and not easily trusting.

Examples

  • She was wary of strangers in the dark street.
  • Investors are wary about putting their money into uncertain markets.
  • The cat watched the new dog with a wary expression.
  • You should always be wary when giving personal information online.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms Antonyms
Cautious Suspicious Alert Vigilant Careful Guarded Watchful Careless Trusting Reckless Naive Unwary

Word Forms

  • Wary (adjective)
  • Warily (adverb) – in a cautious or alert manner
  • Wariness (noun) – the state of being wary

Origin / Etymology

From Old English wær meaning “careful, prudent, aware of danger.” Related to Old High German war meaning “cautious.”

Grammar Information

  • Usually followed by the prepositions: of, about — e.g., wary of scams, wary about new policies.
  • Used before nouns — e.g., wary traveler, wary attitude.

Translations

  • Hindi: सतर्क (Satark), सावधान (Savdhaan)
  • Spanish: cauteloso / desconfiado
  • French: méfiant / prudent
  • German: vorsichtig / misstrauisch
  • Chinese: 警惕的 (jǐngtì de)

Idioms & Phrases

  • Be wary of – to be cautious about someone or something

Related Words

  • Awareness
  • Caution
  • Mindfulness
  • Skepticism
  • Prudence