wary

Pronunciation: adjective. Synonyms: chary, vigilant, heedful

adjective

Difficulty: common

Definition of wary

Exercising a heightened sense of caution or prudence, often arising from suspicion or awareness of potential danger.

Origin of wary

Language of origin: Old English

Root word: wær

Original meaning: prudent, aware, cautious

How it evolved: The term evolved from its Old English form 'wær' to Middle English 'ware,' eventually leading to the modern spelling and meaning of 'wary.'

The word 'wary' originates from Old English and Germanic roots, reflecting caution and attentiveness in uncertain situations.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember wary

Think of 'wary' as being 'aware-y'—someone who is always aware of their surroundings and cautious about potential risks.

Synonyms for wary

Antonyms of wary

wary in a Sentence

  1. The wary traveler double-checked the authenticity of the tour guide's credentials before proceeding into the remote area.
  2. Investors remained wary of the volatile stock market, opting for safer, more predictable options.
  3. Her wary glance at the stranger indicated her instinctive distrust of unfamiliar faces in the bustling city square.

wary in Literature & Culture

‘Wary’ frequently appears in literature to depict characters who are cautious or distrustful, often adding tension to narratives or highlighting a character’s survival instincts.

Usage Notes

‘Wary’ often implies a sense of suspicion or distrust, especially in situations where caution is warranted. It should not be confused with 'weary,' which means tired or exhausted.

Why wary Matters for GRE & SAT

Wary is a high-frequency GRE word that tests a student's ability to understand nuanced distinctions between caution and carelessness. Recognizing its connotations is essential for sentence equivalence and reading comprehension questions.

Word Family

wariness (noun)
A state of being cautious or watchful.
unwary (adjective)
Not exercising caution or vigilance; unsuspecting.
warily (adverb)
In a cautious or watchful manner.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'wary' is related to the Old English concept of being 'on guard,' which was crucial in medieval times for survival.
  • In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' the concept of being cautious or wary is explored through the famous line: 'Though this be madness, yet there is method in't.'
  • The word is often used in psychological studies to describe the behavior of animals in unfamiliar environments.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with W

  • wane — decrease in power, size, or intensity
  • wane — decrease in power, size, or intensity
  • warrant — To justify or necessitate a course of action
  • wary — Feeling or showing caution about possible dangers
  • wary — Feeling or showing caution about possible dangers
  • wary — exercising caution; careful
  • wayward — obstinate, contrary and unpredictable
  • wayward — obstinate, contrary and unpredictable
  • weary — feeling tired or exhausted
  • weary — feeling tired or exhausted