What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cautious
Example
Be cautious when crossing the street. Look both ways before you proceed. [cautious: adjective]
Example
She cautiously opened the door, unsure of what she would find inside. [cautiously: adverb]
wary
Example
He was wary of strangers approaching him on the street. [wary: adjective]
Example
The company was wary of entering into a partnership without thoroughly researching the other party. [wary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cautious is more commonly used than wary in everyday language. Cautious is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while wary is slightly less common but still widely understood.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cautious and wary?
Both cautious and wary can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cautious is generally considered more formal and is often used in professional or serious situations, while wary is slightly less formal and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
