Pronunciation contrast
wary vs weary
Meaning, pronunciation, and examples
Wary means cautious or watchful because something may be dangerous. Weary means very tired or no longer interested after too much of something.
American English
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Each term has natural, careful, and slow playback. Listen without looking, then compare the IPA and articulation cues.
Word 1
wary
adjective
Cautious and watchful because of a possible danger or problem.
US pronunciation
/ˈwɛri/
UK IPA
/ˈweəri/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Stress WAIR with the vowel in “air,” then finish with a light “ee.” Keep the first vowel open.
Word 2
weary
adjective or verb
Very tired, or tired of experiencing too much of something.
US pronunciation
/ˈwɪri/
UK IPA
/ˈwɪəri/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Stress WEER with the narrower vowel heard in “near,” then finish with “ee.” Do not open it to “air.”
Sound contrast
Open for wary and narrow for weary
American wary uses the open vowel in “air” before the R sound. Weary begins with the tighter vowel in “near” or “we’re.” Keep both words to two syllables and let the final “ee” stay light.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Use wary when someone is alert to possible trouble: wary of a suspicious offer. Use weary for physical or mental tiredness: weary after a long trip, or weary of repeated delays. In American English, wary begins like where, while weary begins with the short vowel in wit.
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
wary
- Be wary of messages asking for your password.
- The dog was wary of unfamiliar visitors.
- Investors remain wary of the sudden change.
Examples with
weary
- The weary hikers rested beside the trail.
- Residents grew weary of the constant noise.
- She gave a weary smile after the long meeting.
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