Wariness: meaning, definitions and examples
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wariness
[ˈwɛri.nəs ]
Definition
feeling of caution
Wariness is the state of being cautious or on guard, especially in the face of danger or risk. It is the quality of being watchful and alert to potential threats or pitfalls.
Synonyms
alertness, caution, vigilance.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wariness |
Wariness is often used when someone is feeling cautious due to mistrust or suspicion. It suggests a sense of doubt or hesitation in the presence of potential danger or risk.
|
| caution |
Caution is used to describe actions taken to avoid danger or mistakes. It is common in situations where careful planning and consideration are required to prevent harm.
|
| vigilance |
Vigilance involves a heightened state of watchfulness and readiness to act, usually over an extended period. It is often used when ongoing attention is necessary to guard against threats.
|
| alertness |
Alertness refers to being fully aware and in a state of active attention. It can be used when someone needs to be quick to notice and respond to potential threats or changes in the environment.
|
Examples of usage
- His wariness of strangers made him hesitant to trust new people.
- She approached the situation with wariness, carefully assessing the risks involved.
- Wariness is essential when dealing with unfamiliar surroundings or unfamiliar people.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'wariness' comes from the Old English word 'warian,' which means 'to guard or protect.'
- Related to the word 'wary,' it evolved over time to describe a cautious attitude toward potential risk.
- In Middle English, the term took shape by combining 'ware,' meaning cautious, with the suffix 'ness' that indicates a state of being.
Psychology
- Wariness can be a natural instinct, developed to keep individuals safe from potential threats in their environment.
- Studies suggest that people who exhibit higher levels of wariness tend to perform better in decision-making under uncertainty, as they evaluate risks carefully.
- Too much wariness can lead to anxiety; it's important to find a balance that avoids unnecessary fear.
Literature
- In literature, wariness can be a theme, representing characters who are cautious due to past experiences or a troubled background.
- Authors often use a character’s wariness to create tension in a story, making readers eager to understand the dangers involved.
- Classic literature frequently portrays wariness as a necessary trait for survival in hostile environments or societies.
Culture
- In many cultures, being wary is viewed as a sign of wisdom, reflecting the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings.
- Certain folk tales emphasize the value of wariness, teaching lessons about trusting instinct over blind faith in others.
- Social dynamics can influence levels of wariness in communities, as those who have experienced mistrust may be more cautious in interactions.
Safety Practices
- Wariness is a fundamental aspect of personal safety, encouraging individuals to remain vigilant in potentially risky situations.
- Practicing wariness involves being aware of one’s environment, such as keeping an eye on surroundings in busy public places.
- Emergency preparedness campaigns often emphasize the importance of wariness in preventing accidents or dangerous encounters.
Translations
Translations of the word "wariness" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cautela
🇮🇳 सावधानी (savdhani)
🇩🇪 Vorsicht
🇮🇩 kehati-hatian
🇺🇦 обережність
🇵🇱 ostrożność
🇯🇵 用心 (yōjin)
🇫🇷 prudence
🇪🇸 cautela
🇹🇷 ihtiyat
🇰🇷 경계 (gyeonggye)
🇸🇦 حذر (ḥadhar)
🇨🇿 opatrnost
🇸🇰 opatrnosť
🇨🇳 谨慎 (jǐnshèn)
🇸🇮 previdnost
🇮🇸 varúð
🇰🇿 сақтық (saqtyq)
🇬🇪 სიფრთხილე (sip'rtkhile)
🇦🇿 ehtiyat
🇲🇽 cautela