Guardedly: meaning, definitions and examples

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guardedly

[ˈɡɑːrdɪdli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a cautious or careful manner

With a guardedly optimistic outlook, she proceeded with caution in her new job.

Synonyms

carefully, cautiously, warily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
guardedly	When you are being careful about revealing information or expressing feelings, especially due to distrust or suspicion. She responded guardedly to his questions, unsure of his intentions He spoke about his past experiences in a guardedly manner, not wanting to reveal too much
cautiously	In situations where there is a need to avoid risk, potential danger, or harm. Often used in contexts of physical risk or uncertainty. They walked cautiously along the icy path He cautiously approached the wild animal, unsure of how it would react
carefully	When you want to emphasize attention to detail and thoroughness to avoid mistakes or danger. This term doesn't necessarily involve suspicion or distrust. He carefully painted the model, making sure not to miss any details She read the contract carefully before signing it
warily	When you are being cautious and showing suspicion towards someone or something that might be dangerous, deceptive, or untrustworthy. It has a negative connotation. She looked at the stranger warily, unsure if he could be trusted The cat watched the dog warily, ready to flee at any moment

Examples of usage

He answered her questions guardedly, not wanting to reveal too much.
She approached the unfamiliar situation guardedly, unsure of what to expect.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

showing caution or prudence

His guardedly worded response indicated his reluctance to commit to a definite answer.

Synonyms

cautious, prudent, wary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
guardedly	Similar to 'guardedly', this term can also describe being careful and reserved in speech or action, often to protect oneself. He answered the questions guardedly, aware that he was being tested. She shared her opinions guardedly, not wanting to reveal too much.
cautious	This word is useful when someone takes steps to avoid danger, mistakes, or unwanted outcomes. She was cautious about investing her money in unknown ventures. He approached the dog cautiously, unsure if it was friendly.
prudent	Applicable in scenarios where someone is acting with wisdom and foresight, especially considering potential future risks. It was prudent of her to save money for unexpected expenses. He made a prudent decision to leave the company before things got worse.
wary	Best used when someone is being very careful and watchful about potential dangers or problems. She was wary of strangers offering help. He remained wary of making any sudden decisions in the volatile market.

Examples of usage

The politician's guardedly diplomatic statements left room for interpretation.
She gave a guardedly polite smile, unsure of how to respond.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'guarded' comes from the Old French 'guarder,' which means to keep safe or protect.
The addition of '-ly' turns the adjective 'guarded' into an adverb, showing how an action is done.
Its usage has become more common in modern English to describe cautious behavior.

Psychology

People often act guardedly when they feel anxious or fear vulnerability in social situations.
Being guarded can be a defense mechanism to protect oneself from emotional harm.
Studies show that individuals who are guarded may overanalyze social interactions to avoid misunderstandings.

Literature

In storytelling, characters may be described as acting guardedly to build suspense or tension.
Literary works often explore themes of trust and betrayal, making guardedness a key trait of complex characters.
Famous authors like Shakespeare and Jane Austen depict characters that are guarded, reflecting deeper emotions and motivations.

Interpersonal Communication

Guardedly expressed emotions can lead to misunderstandings in friendships and partnerships.
Nonverbal cues like crossed arms can signal a guarded demeanor, indicating discomfort or reluctance to share.
Effective communication often requires moving past a guarded attitude to build genuine connections.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters who act guardedly might initially seem distant but reveal deeper layers as the plot unfolds.
Popular songs sometimes feature themes of guarded hearts, expressing struggles with vulnerability in love.
Reality TV often showcases contestants who are guarded in their interactions, leading to dramatic moments.

Translations

Translations of the word "guardedly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cautelosamente

🇮🇳 सावधानीपूर्वक

🇩🇪 vorsichtig

🇮🇩 dengan hati-hati

🇺🇦 обережно

🇵🇱 ostrożnie

🇯🇵 慎重に (しんちょうに)

🇫🇷 prudemment

🇪🇸 cautelosamente

🇹🇷 dikkatlice

🇰🇷 조심스럽게

🇸🇦 بحذر

🇨🇿 opatrně

🇸🇰 opatrne

🇨🇳 谨慎地 (jǐnshèn de)

🇸🇮 previdno

🇮🇸 varlega

🇰🇿 сақтықпен

🇬🇪 ფრთხილად (p'rtkhilad)

🇦🇿 ehtiyatla

🇲🇽 cautelosamente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,320 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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32317 vivifying
32318 deadpan
32319 swished
32320 guardedly
32321 metastasize
32322 squawking
32323 prig
...