What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wariness
Example
She approached the stranger with wariness, unsure of his intentions. [wariness: noun]
Example
He eyed the package with wariness, wondering if it was safe to open. [wariness: noun]
caution
Example
The hiker proceeded with caution, carefully navigating the rocky terrain. [caution: noun]
Example
She cautioned him against investing all his money in one stock. [cautioned: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Caution is more commonly used than wariness in everyday language. Caution is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while wariness is less common and has a more specific focus on suspicion or mistrust.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wariness and caution?
Both wariness and caution can be used in formal and informal contexts, but caution is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels.
