“Weary” vs “wary”

This word confusion is commonly seen, but it’s also one with a very simple explanation.

Weary = tired, exhausted

Wary = unsure, cautious

So, saying “I was weary of attending the party” is correct only if you’re tired of attending the party, but not if you’re having second thoughts or hesitation about attending the party.

One way you could remember the correct one is that wary rhymes with scary, and you’re probably going to be wary of a scary situation.

Finding the difference between these words is also made easier if you say them aloud. I’m not familiar with all the different permutations of accents, but I’m fairly certain that they do sound different at least most of the time.

 

Posted in Spelling & Grammar.

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