Wary and weary look similar, but they mean very different things.
Wary means cautious, careful, or alert to possible trouble. You use it when someone is on guard or suspicious. For example: She felt wary of the offer. That means she did not fully trust it.
Weary means tired, exhausted, or worn out. You use it for physical or emotional fatigue. For example: After the hike, he was weary. That means he felt very tired.
A simple memory tip can help:
- Wary relates to warning and caution.
- Weary relates to weariness and fatigue.
Compare these two sentences: The investor was wary of the sudden promise. By evening, the investor was weary from meetings. In the first sentence, the person is cautious. In the second, the person is tired.
If you mean careful, choose wary. If you mean tired, choose weary.