chary

[ chair-ee ]

adjective

, char·i·er, char·i·est.

1. cautious or careful; wary:

   He was chary of investing in oil wells.

   Synonyms: circumspect

   Antonyms: trustful

2. shy; timid.

   Antonyms: confident

3. fastidious; choosy:

   She is excessively chary about her friends.

   Antonyms: uncritical

4. sparing (often followed by of ):

   chary of his praise.

   Synonyms: frugal

   Antonyms: lavish

chary

/ ˈtʃɛərɪ /

adjective

1. wary; careful
2. choosy; finicky
3. shy
4. sparing; mean

Other Words From

• chari·ly adverb
• un·chary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chary¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English cearig sorrowful ( c ( e ) ar ( u ) care + -ig -y ¹ ); cognate with Old Saxon karag, Old High German karag ( German karg scanty, paltry)

Word History and Origins

Origin of chary¹

Old English cearig; related to caru care , Old High German charag sorrowful

Example Sentences

Instead, “West Side Story” languished when it was first released, its core audience of older filmgoers still chary of venturing into theaters.

From Washington Post

Beautiful is a strong word, and artists, critics and scholars are chary of it.

From Washington Post

However, I recognize that many people are likely to be chary of returning to public transport for a while, and Beltway expansion may be necessary as a stopgap.

From Washington Post

That was a movie which really couldn’t be made now; people are understandably chary of presenting children in such adult and rather sexualised situations.

From The Guardian

I always feel chary about recommending the Society’s books since I’ve supplied introductions to several of them.

From Washington Post