ˈwa(a)]rē, ˈwe], ˈwā], ]ri adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: ware (II) (from Middle English war, ware, from Old English wær aware, wary) + -y; akin to Old High German giwar aware, attentive, Old Norse varr aware, wary, Gothic wars, Latin verērī to fear, Greek horan to see, -oros watcher, ōra care
1. : marked by keen caution, cunning, and watchful prudence in detecting and escaping danger
these figures were wary in their movements and perfectly silent of foot — Joseph Conrad
a subtle diplomacy and wary tactics — Arnold Bennett
2. : provident , economical
Synonyms: see cautious