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Leery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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leery

[หˆliri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

suspicious attitude

Leery describes a state of being cautious or wary, often due to mistrust or suspicion. People who are leery may choose to be on guard against potential dangers or deceit. This term is often used to describe someone who is hesitant to engage or trust in a situation because they have concerns or doubts. It reflects a natural, instinctive response to perceived threats or uncertainties.

Synonyms

cautious, distrustful, doubtful, suspicious, wary.

Examples of usage

  • She was leery of the salesman.
  • He felt leery about the new investment opportunity.
  • I am always leery when meeting strangers.
  • They were leery of the promises made by the politician.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often feel leery when they experience mistrust or have been let down in the past, a protective mechanism against potential harm.
  • Studies suggest that individuals may appear leery in social situations when they sense hidden motives in others, affecting their ability to form relationships.
  • Body language plays a critical role in conveying leery attitudes; crossed arms or frowns indicate a lack of trust.

Pop Culture

  • In popular media, characters who are portrayed as leery often serve as the voice of reason, warning others of impending danger.
  • Songs and movies frequently depict leery characters in romantic scenarios to convey doubt or skepticism about trust and loyalty.
  • The phrase 'better safe than sorry' captures the essence of being leery, advising caution in personal relationships.

Literature

  • Classic literature often features leery protagonists who struggle with trust, highlighting their internal conflicts and development.
  • In some novels, leery individuals play critical roles as foils, accentuating the traits of more trusting characters.
  • Leery themes can reflect broader societal issues, such as distrust in authority or skepticism in times of political upheaval.

Origin of 'leery'

Main points about word origin

  • The origin of 'leery' can be traced back to the early 19th century, derived from the word 'leare,' meaning to be cautious or wary.
  • It was influenced by the word 'leery,' which denotes being sly or cunning, emphasizing a sense of skepticism.
  • The term has roots in Scottish and Northern English dialects, reflecting regional language influences.

The word 'leery' originated from the late 19th century and is derived from the word 'leery', which means 'to look slyly or with suspicion'. It likely comes from the early English dialect term 'leery', meaning 'to be wary or careful'. The term has evolved over the years and is believed to be influenced by the word 'leer', which implies a look that suggests suspicion or unwanted desire. As language evolved, 'leery' solidified its place in English vernacular to refer specifically to a cautious, suspicious attitude. It is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts to describe a person's state of mind when they are unsure or do not trust the intentions of others.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,817 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.