Chary

Quick meaning: Chary is an adjective meaning Careful, cautious, shy, wary.

Meaning

Careful, cautious, shy, wary.

More Meanings

1. Excessively particular or fussy about details; fastidious.
2. Not disposed to give freely; not lavish; frugal, sparing.
3. Synonym of charily: carefully, cautiously, warily.
4. (obsolete) Cared for, regarded as precious; cherished.

Example Sentences

The Charieſt maide is prodigall enough, / If ſhe vnmaske hir beautie to the Moone.

Of ſpotleſs fame, be chary as your lives! / Keep wide of proof, and you're the beſt of wives!

[Y]our Women of Honour, as you call 'em, are only chary of their reputations, not their Perſons, and 'tis ſcandal they wou'd avoid, not Men: [...]

[E]ls is he chary and wary to lay himſelfe open to any daunger, if the finall end of his endeauour and toile bee not plauſible in his demurring judgement.

Word Forms

• charier
• chariest

Synonyms for chary

Depending on context, synonyms include alert, attentive, careful, cautelous, cautious, canny.

Antonyms for chary

Common opposites include unchary, careless, cursory, derelict, heedless, irregardless.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include cagey, cautious, cagy, suspicious, caresome, wary.

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