What does wary mean?
Wary describes a person who is cautious, watchful, and alert to possible danger, risk, or deception. It is commonly used with the preposition “of,” as in “wary of strangers,” but it can also stand before a noun: “a wary glance” or “a wary approach.” The word carries a slightly formal and somewhat suspicious tone, suggesting that caution may arise from experience or distrust. In everyday use, “wary” often means watchful and prudent, while “cautious” emphasizes careful avoidance of risk and “suspicious” places greater emphasis on distrust. Wary is useful because it captures a state of attentiveness that is neither simply fearful nor completely trusting. It can describe a person, an animal, or an organized response, and it can convey concern about anything from physical hazards to deceptive promises.
adjectiveWary means cautious and alert to possible danger, deception, or other risks. It can also describe a distrustful or suspicious attitude toward someone or something.
- Cautious and alert to possible danger or risk.
- Distrustful or suspicious of someone or something.
"The hikers grew wary of the unusually quiet trail."
"The hikers grew wary of the unusually quiet trail."
"Her wary response to the stranger suggested that she had learned from experience."
Wary comes from an Old English word for “care”—a reminder that caution is often a form of care.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wary come from?
Wary derives from Old English wǣrige, meaning cautious or on guard, from wǣr, meaning care or caution. The same Germanic root appears in related English words such as “ware,” “aware,” and “beware.” Over time, the word developed from the general idea of being careful to include the more specific sense of being watchful and suspicious.
Related word forms
How wary is actually used
Wary is a neutral-to-formal adjective, especially common in the expression “wary of.” It often suggests caution born from caution, suspicion, or experience of deception.
Easily confused with wary
Wary means cautious and suspicious, whereas weary means tired or exhausted.