2025年6月16日月曜日

The English word "wary"

 The English word "wary" means feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems. It suggests a sense of carefulness, suspicion, or being on guard.

Here's how to use "wary" in English sentences, along with explanations and common prepositions:


1. To express general caution or suspicion:

This is the most common use. It indicates that someone is careful because they think there might be a problem or danger.

  • Example: "The hikers were wary of the sudden change in weather." (They were cautious because they thought the weather might become dangerous.)
  • Example: "She was wary of strangers offering her candy." (She was suspicious and careful because she thought they might have bad intentions.)
  • Example: "After being cheated once, he became wary of online advertisements." (He was careful and distrustful of them.)

2. Wary of + noun/pronoun:

This construction indicates what or whom the person is cautious about.

  • Example: "Be wary of advice from people who aren't experts."
  • Example: "The government remains wary of any agreements that could undermine national security."
  • Example: "Many investors are wary of the volatile stock market right now."
  • Example: "I'm wary of him; he seems too good to be true."

3. Wary of + gerund (-ing form):

This construction indicates an action or situation the person is cautious about.

  • Example: "He's wary of committing to anything long-term." (He's careful not to make long-term commitments.)
  • Example: "Companies are wary of expanding too quickly in the current economic climate."
  • Example: "You should be wary of sharing too much personal information online."

4. To describe a person's nature or disposition:

"Wary" can also describe someone who is generally cautious or distrustful.

  • Example: "The cat, having been abused, was wary and hid whenever someone approached." (It was naturally cautious due to past experience.)
  • Example: "He has always been a wary person, always thinking about potential risks."

5. In more formal or literary contexts:

"Wary" can add a sense of careful consideration or a guarded approach.

  • Example: "The diplomat offered a wary smile, betraying nothing of his true intentions."
  • Example: "The initial reception to the new policy was wary, but support grew over time."

Common Synonyms and Related Concepts:

  • Cautious: Similar, but "wary" often implies a bit more suspicion or distrust.
  • Suspicious: Focuses more on distrust.
  • Guarded: Implies being reserved or careful about revealing information or emotions.
  • Skeptical: Doubting the truth or validity of something.

Key things to remember about "wary":

  • It usually describes a mental state of caution or suspicion.
  • It's often followed by "of."
  • It can apply to people, animals, or even abstract concepts like policies or markets.

By understanding these uses, you can effectively incorporate "wary" into your English vocabulary to convey a sense of carefulness, doubt, or apprehension.

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