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 always chary when it comes to sharing personal information with strangers. [chary: adjective]
wary
Example
The hiker was wary of venturing into the dense forest alone. [wary: adjective]
Example
She became wary of the salesman's promises after hearing about his dishonesty. [wary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wary is more commonly used than chary in everyday language. Wary is versatile and can be used in various contexts to describe a cautious or suspicious attitude. Chary, although less common, is still understood and can be used to convey a sense of hesitation or reluctance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chary and wary?
Both chary and wary are considered formal words, suitable for use in both written and spoken English. However, wary is more commonly used and can be employed in a wider range of formality levels, from casual conversations to formal writing.
