Wary
/ˈwɛə.ri/noun
Careful and watchful, especially because of possible danger or problems.
Did you know?Wary comes from the same old Germanic root as words for guarding and being on your guard, so its history is less about fear and more about trained vigilance.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*waraz
“aware, cautious, on guard”
Old English
OE
wær
“watchful, cautious, wary”
Middle English
ME
wary
“careful, alert, suspicious”
Modern English
English
wary
“careful and watchful, especially about danger or risk”