adj
wary
WEH-uh-ree
adj
1
Cautious and alert to possible danger, deception, or problems.
"Be wary of emails asking for your bank details."
"The cat stayed wary of the newcomer for weeks."
How to Use Wary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOn your guard; cautious because you suspect something might be wrong or risky.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with weary (tired) — wary means cautious, not exhausted.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
wary of
grow wary
remain wary
Word Forms
warier comparative, waried past tense, waries singular, wariest superlative
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Be _____ of emails asking for your bank details.
Etymology
From the adjective ware ("aware, cautious") plus the adjective-forming suffix -y.