Wariest: meaning, definitions and examples

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wariest

 

[ ˈwɛəriəst ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

state of mind

Wariest is the superlative form of the adjective 'wary', which means being cautious or watchful, especially in avoiding danger or risks. When someone is the wariest, they are the most vigilant among a group, often due to past experiences or an acute awareness of potential threats. Being wariest implies a heightened state of alertness where one is ready to respond to unforeseen circumstances. This term can pertain to emotional responses as well, reflecting a mindset developed through caution and prudence.

Synonyms

alert, cautious, vigilant, watchful

Examples of usage

  • She was the wariest of all the hikers, always checking her surroundings.
  • In the classroom, the wariest students tend to ask questions cautiously.
  • During negotiations, he remained the wariest, never showing his full intentions.
  • As the wariest member of the team, he often proposed backup plans.

Translations

Translations of the word "wariest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais cauteloso

🇮🇳 सबसे सतर्क

🇩🇪 am vorsichtigsten

🇮🇩 paling waspada

🇺🇦 найобережніший

🇵🇱 najbardziej ostrożny

🇯🇵 最も用心深い

🇫🇷 le plus prudent

🇪🇸 el más cauteloso

🇹🇷 en dikkatli

🇰🇷 가장 조심스러운

🇸🇦 الأكثر حذرًا

🇨🇿 nejopatrnější

🇸🇰 najopatrnejší

🇨🇳 最小心的

🇸🇮 najbolj previden

🇮🇸 varfærastur

🇰🇿 ең абай

🇬🇪 ყველაზე ფრთხილი

🇦🇿 ən ehtiyatlı

🇲🇽 el más cauteloso

Etymology

The word 'wary' comes from the Middle English 'warie', which is derived from the Old English 'werig', meaning 'weary' or 'cautious'. Its origins can be traced back to a Proto-Germanic term *warwā, which similarly conveyed the notion of being careful or vigilant. The evolution of the word reflects a shift towards a more specific connotation centered on caution rather than just tiredness. Over centuries, the term has been integrated into English vernacular, particularly in contexts involving safety and alertness. The superlative form 'wariest' emerged to describe the highest state of caution or concern within a comparative group, emphasizing the importance of being on guard in potentially perilous situations.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,735, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.