What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chary
Example
She was chary of accepting the job offer without knowing more about the company. [chary: adjective]
Example
He is chary when it comes to sharing personal details with strangers. [chary: adjective]
circumspect
Example
It's important to be circumspect when making important life decisions. [circumspect: adjective]
Example
She spoke in a circumspect manner, choosing her words carefully. [circumspect: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Circumspect is more commonly used than chary in everyday language. Circumspect is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while chary is less common and has a narrower range of usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chary and circumspect?
While chary is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, circumspect is more formal and is often used in professional or serious contexts.