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Unwarily: meaning, definitions and examples

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unwarily

 

[ ʌnˈwΙ›rΙͺli ]

Adverb
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.

Etymology

The term 'unwarily' is derived from the prefix 'un-', which denotes negation, and the word 'warily', meaning to act with caution or care. 'Warily' itself comes from 'ware', an archaic term that means to be cautious or aware, originating from the Old English 'warian', which signifies to be wary or vigilant. This transformation exemplifies the evolution of language, where the addition of 'un-' creates a direct antonym. The usage of 'unwarily' has been noted since the early 17th century, and it captures the essence of unguarded behavior, often leading to discussions about the importance of mindfulness in actions.

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.