What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wary
Example
I'm wary of strangers who approach me on the street. [wary: adjective]
Example
She was wary of investing in the company because of its unstable financial history. [wary: adjective]
vigilant
Example
The security guard was vigilant in monitoring the entrance to the building. [vigilant: adjective]
Example
We need to be vigilant in protecting our personal information online. [vigilant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wary is more common than vigilant in everyday language, and is often used in informal contexts. Vigilant is less common, and is typically used in formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wary and vigilant?
Vigilant is more formal than wary, and is often used in professional or academic contexts where precision and accuracy are important. Wary is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
