First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
chary
adjective \ˈcher-ē\
: cautious about doing something
chari·erchari·est
Full Definition of CHARY
2
: discreetly cautious: as a : hesitant and vigilant about dangers and risks b : slow to grant, accept, or expend <a person very chary of compliments>
— chari·ly \ˈcher-ə-lē\ adverb
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Origin of CHARY
Middle English, sorrowful, dear, from Old English cearig sorrowful, from caru sorrow — more at care
Related to CHARY
- Synonyms
- alert, cautious, careful, circumspect, conservative, considerate, gingerly, guarded, heedful, safe, wary
Synonym Discussion of CHARY
cautious, circumspect, wary, chary mean prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk. cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger <a cautious driver>. circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding <circumspect in his business dealings>. wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it <keeps a wary eye on the competition>. chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely <chary of signing papers without having read them first>.
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