leery
word
/ˈɫɪɹi/
LEER-ee
/lˈiəɹi/
LEE-uh-ree
Definition
Feeling suspicious or not trusting someone or something; being careful because you may not feel safe.
Usage & Nuances
'Leery' is informal and often followed by 'of' (e.g. 'leery of strangers'). It describes a cautious, skeptical attitude, not open fear. Don't confuse with 'weary' (tired).
Spanish: desconfiado - recelosoPortuguese (BR): desconfiado - receosoPortuguese (PT): desconfiado - receosoChinese (Simplified): 警惕的 - 怀疑的Chinese (Traditional): 警惕的 - 懷疑的Hindi: सावधान - अविश्वासीArabic: متحفظ - مرتابBengali: সতর্ক - অবিশ্বাসীRussian: настороженный - подозрительныйJapanese: 用心深い - 疑い深いVietnamese: cảnh giác - đề phòngKorean: 경계하는 - 의심하는Turkish: tedirgin - şüpheciUrdu: مشکوک - محتاطIndonesian: waspada - curiga
Example Sentences
He is leery of new people.
basic
I'm always leery of online deals.
basic
The cat was leery of the dog.
basic
She's a bit leery of giving out her phone number.
natural
Investors are leery of putting money into risky startups.
natural
I'm a little leery about eating food that's been sitting out all day.
natural