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Unwarily: meaning, definitions and examples

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unwarily

 

[ʌnˈwɛrɪli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

without caution

Unwarily means acting without caution or awareness. It refers to actions taken heedlessly or in a careless manner, often leading to mistakes or unintended consequences.

Synonyms

carelessly, heedlessly, recklessly.

Examples of usage

  • He unwarily stepped into the street without looking.
  • She unwarily accepted the offer without reading the details.
  • They spoke unwarily about sensitive topics at the gathering.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning not, combined with 'warily,' which comes from Old English 'warian,' meaning to be cautious.
  • The word has been in use since the late 1500s, reflecting a historical need to describe actions that lack caution.
  • It represents a gradual expansion of the language to capture nuances of behavior.

Psychology

  • People often act unwarily when tired or distracted, indicating how mental states influence our level of attention.
  • Social environments can also lead to unwary behaviors, especially when individuals feel too comfortable or safe.
  • Cognitive biases, such as optimism bias, can result in making unwary decisions, believing that 'bad things won't happen to me.'

Literature

  • Authors often use unwarily actions to build tension in stories, showcasing characters who fail to see dangers, leading to conflict.
  • In novels, unwarily choices may foreshadow future events, hinting at consequences for characters’ lack of awareness.
  • Classic literature frequently highlights the contrast between characters who act deliberately and those who act unwarily, showcasing growth or downfall.

Pop Culture

  • In many films, protagonists act unwarily, creating pivotal moments where their lack of caution leads to significant plot twists.
  • Reality shows often feature unwarily actions among contestants, adding drama and unforeseen complications to the storyline.
  • Memes often exaggerate unwarily moments, turning everyday mishaps into relatable and humorous content.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,345, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.