Wariness is spelled with the letters w-a-r-i-n-e-s-s. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈwɛər.i.nəs/. The first syllable is pronounced with the "air" diphthong, while the second syllable has a short "i" sound. The "e" in the third syllable is silent, and the fourth syllable has a long "i" sound. The final syllable has the "əs" sound. Wariness refers to the state of being cautious or on guard, and its proper spelling is important for clear communication.
Wariness is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being cautious, alert, and watchful, especially in the face of potential dangers, risks, or threats. It implies a sense of carefulness, prudence, and circumspection while dealing with unfamiliar or potentially hazardous situations. Wariness stems from a natural instinct to safeguard oneself or others against harm, and it involves an active mindset of vigilance and suspicion.
Individuals who possess wariness tend to exhibit an increased level of skepticism, questioning the intentions and motives of others before fully trusting them. They remain skeptical without becoming overly suspicious, constantly keeping their guard up. Wariness can manifest as a cognitive and emotional response, allowing individuals to detect potential pitfalls, dangers, or deceit in various social, professional, or personal interactions.
Wariness is often cultivated through experience, as individuals learn from past mistakes or negative encounters. It is a quality that aids in self-preservation and prudent decision-making, preventing one from being easily deceived or taken advantage of. Nonetheless, wariness does not necessarily imply a constant state of fear or paranoia; it is a balanced and measured awareness that helps people navigate the complexities of life.
The state or quality of being wary; cautiousness.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word wariness is derived from the adjective wary, which itself comes from the Middle English ware meaning cautious or aware. Ware can be traced back to the Old English word wær meaning cautious or prudent. The term ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word wariz, which means watchful or observant.