What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
guardedness
Example
The politician spoke with guardedness, careful not to reveal too much information. [guardedness: noun]
Example
She approached the stranger with guardedness, unsure of his intentions. [guardedness: noun]
wariness
Example
He watched the new employee with wariness, unsure if he could be trusted. [wariness: noun]
Example
The hiker felt a sense of wariness as she approached the dark and unfamiliar trail. [wariness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wariness is more commonly used than guardedness in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be applied to a wider range of situations. Guardedness is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as politics or business.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between guardedness and wariness?
Guardedness is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, while wariness is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
