Wary vs weary
Wary means careful because you sense danger or a trick. Weary means very tired, or tired of something that has gone on too long.
Wary shares its letters war with beware, and both are about being on your guard.
wary adjective
Careful and on guard because something might be dangerous or a trick.
- Investors grew wary of the startup after its founder dodged questions about revenue.
- The two dogs circled each other with wary glances.
weary adjective
Very tired after hard work or effort, or tired of something that has lasted too long.
- The weary hikers dropped their packs and sat down by the fire.
- Voters have grown weary of the endless campaign ads.
Watch out
- Both words often come before of, so check the meaning. Wary of means suspicious of it. Weary of means tired of it.Voters have grown weary of the endless campaign ads.
- The two words sound different. Wary rhymes with hairy, and weary rhymes with cheery.
- Weary can also be a verb meaning to make someone tired or wear down their patience.The general knew that a long siege would weary his troops.
Test yourself
After a twelve-hour shift, the nurses were blank and ready for bed.
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weary. People worn out by long, hard work are weary.
Be blank of emails that ask for your password.
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wary. This is about being careful of a possible trick.
The deer lifted its head, blank of the noise in the bushes.
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wary. The deer is on guard against possible danger.
She was blank after the long trip and sat down with a sigh.
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weary. She was very tired after the trip, so weary.