English vocabulary · B2
Wary
/ˈwɛr.i/ · adj.
It means feeling careful and watchful because something might be dangerous or cause a problem.
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Example sentences
- She was wary of the new offer — it seemed too good.
- He walked in wary, eyes checking every corner.
Word origin and roots
from Old English
- waer — on guard (from Old English)
Synonyms and nuances
- CAUTIOUS — careful to avoid risk (Careful by nature)
- ALERT — awake and ready (Active & Ready to React)
- SUSPICIOUS — not fully trusting (Doubting someone's motives)
Words with the same root
waer — on guard
- aware — knowing what is around you
- beware — be on guard
- warn — tell someone about danger
Lesson notes
Wary. It means feeling careful and watchful because something might be dangerous or cause a problem.
Similar words are cautious, alert, and suspicious. Use wary when you sense possible danger and hold back.
She was wary of the new offer — it seemed too good. He walked in wary, eyes checking every corner.
From Old English. Waer- means on guard. Always watching for possible danger — that is wary.