Weary vs Wary
What’s the difference between them?
Weary
Meaning:
Feeling tired, fatigued, or exhausted.
Examples:
1. The weary traveler stumbled into town, desperate for a place to rest.
2. After a long day of work, the little girl was too weary to stay awake for dinner.
3. The long journey had left the adventurers too weary to continue.
Wary
Meaning:
Cautious; watchful; alert; on guard.
Examples:
1. The wary traveler kept a close eye on his surroundings.
2. The wary cat slinked away from the strange noises.
3. After his past experience, he was wary of making the same mistake again.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Weary
1. Exhausted
2. Spent
3. Drained
4. Wearied
5. Bone-tired
1. Energized
2. Enthusiastic
3. Refreshed
4. Invigorated
5. Rested
Wary
1. Cautious
2. Watchful
3. Vigilant
4. Alert
5. Wary of/on guard
1. Unconcerned
2. Careless
3. Audacious
4. Reckless
5. Unsuspecting
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Weary", "Wary".
1. The main distinction between the words 'weary' and 'wary' is that 'weary' refers to a physical state of fatigue or exhaustion, while 'wary' refers to a mental attitude of caution and alertness.
2. Think of the word 'tired' in relation to 'weary' to help remember the difference.
3. Create a mnemonic phrase to help you remember the difference between 'weary' and 'wary'. For example: 'Weary? I'm so tired! Wary? Always watching out!'
4. If you are unsure if the appropriate word is 'weary' or 'wary', try replacing the word with 'tired' or 'cautious', respectively. This can help you determine which word is more suitable in a given context.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When should the word 'weary' be used?
Weary can be used to describe a feeling of tiredness, fatigue, or exhaustion. It can express a feeling of being mentally or physically worn out from a certain experience, such as being weary from a long day of work.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'wary'?
Wary usually describes a cautious attitude or alertness that someone might have in an uncertain situation. For example, someone might be described as wary of entering a potentially dangerous situation. It implies being on guard and alert in order to prevent any potential harm.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. 'Weary' is pronounced as 'weer-ee' and 'wary' is pronounced as 'wey-ree.'
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the most common mistakes people make when using these two words is mixing up their meanings. While 'weary' describes physical or mental fatigue, 'wary' describes a cautious or alert attitude. Additionally, people often make the mistake of mispronouncing one of the words, due to their similar spelling and similar sounding pronunciations.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. After working all day, he was feeling quite __________.
2. She was __________ of her surroundings as she walked through the dark alley.
3. The long hike left me feeling very __________.
4. He was __________ when it came to trusting strangers.
5. She was __________ from lack of sleep.
6. His __________ manner made it difficult to get to know him.
1. After working all day, he was feeling quite Weary.
Explanation: Weary means very tired and exhausted, which is how someone would expect to feel after working all day.
2. She was Wary of her surroundings as she walked through the dark alley.
Explanation: Wary means to be on guard or cautious, which is how someone would feel when walking through a dark alley.
3. The long hike left me feeling very Weary.
Explanation: Weary means very tired and exhausted, which is how one would typically feel after a long hike.
4. He was Wary when it came to trusting strangers.
Explanation: Wary means to be on guard or cautious, which is how one would typically feel when it comes to trusting strangers.
5. She was Weary from lack of sleep.
Explanation: Weary means very tired and exhausted, which is how someone would expect to feel due to lack of sleep.
6. His Wary manner made it difficult to get to know him.
Explanation: Wary means to be on guard or cautious, which is how someone would typically act if they have a difficult time getting to know someone.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.