The words wary and weary are spelled similarly with a single e setting them apart. Since both terms are used as an adjective, some people may accidentally use one in place of the other despite their different meanings. This article will help you avoid this mistake and use them accurately in your writing.
The word wary is used as an adjective meaning “marked by keen caution, cunning, and watchfulness especially in detecting and escaping danger” or “feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.”
Why the Bank of Canada should be wary of economy’s Goldilocks moment
Financial PostWhy citrus growers are wary
AmandalaAmidst trade talks, Canada needs to be wary of the Chinese Community Party
Toronto Sun
On the other hand, the term weary is also used as an adjective but means “exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor, or freshness,” “having one’s patience, tolerance, or pleasure exhausted,” or “feeling or showing tiredness, especially as a result of excessive exertion or lack of sleep.”
Negaunee’s high-octane attack quickly wears down weary Eskymos
Marquette Mining JournalBen Roethlisberger weary of football’s violence: ‘I hope my son plays golf’
GolfweekDaddy duties! Bobby Cannavale looks weary as he throws out dirty nappies after he and partner Rose Byrne welcomed second child
Daily Mail
However, it may also function as a verb meaning “to cause to become tired” or “to grow tired of or bored with.”
Wearied by the buzzy West Loop? Head South
Chicago TribuneCLAYTON: Age wearies them all eventually
Golf AustraliaU. of Virginia’s Next Chief Inherits a Wearied Institution
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Now that we’ve discussed the difference between the wary and weary, you should be able to distinguish them properly and use them in your sentences more accurately. Keep in mind that wary is about being careful while weary refers to being tired.