warily
16
4.3
- adverb
- /ˈwɛrɪli/
:
cautelosamente
- Yet as he followed Ibn out, he warily eyed the snake coiled around the shopkeeper's arms.
- watched warily
- viewed warily
Examples
-
Seeing me approach, Groon eyes me warily but with no apparent concern.
Academic text (2007) -
All across the nation, people warily removed antiwar stickers from their cars in fear of vandalism.
Academic text (2003) -
Scott takes the drink warily and looks up at the businessman next to him.
Fiction book (1991) -
Jack, David, and Boots walk down the street quickly and warily, as if in enemy territory.
Fiction book (1992) -
The metal access door opens, and the first of the guards steps warily out, rifle at the ready.
Fiction book (1992) -
Mother crabs that successfully reach the sea warily edge into the water.
Academic text (1990) -
Three or four gunmen stand on the sidewalk looking warily up and down the road.
Fiction book (1990) -
SECOND FLOOR CORRIDOR ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN and Terminator leads the group warily into the corridor.
Fiction book (1991) -
Axe in hand, Perrin started warily down the hall, muttering to himself.
Fiction book (1991) -
John Healy approached his PC warily, as though it were an animal that might bite him.
Synonyms
70
2.3
To do something in a careful way to avoid danger or mistakes
23
4.6
In a very careful, slow way to avoid damage or getting hurt
8
5.0
In a careful way to avoid future problems
3
6.5
In a careful way that avoids risk or saying too much
3
6.2
Carefully watching for danger or problems
1
3.2
In a careful way while looking for danger or sudden movement
1
7.7
In a careful, sensible way to avoid risk
1
7.9
In a careful way that avoids giving clear answers
Carefully because you are unsure about possible risks
Antonyms
How Cautious
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Warily comes from the describing word wary, which comes from an old word meaning 'aware' or 'careful'. The ending -ly turns it into an adverb, so to act warily is to act 'carefully' and watch for danger.