chary
/ˈtʃɛəɹi/
Group 27Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Wary; reluctant to do something GRE
Example in Context
Investors grew chary of the market after the third unexpected downturn in as many months eroded confidence in economic forecasts.
Synonyms
cautiouswarycareful
Etymology
From Old English meaning careful or wary, now implies reluctance.
- cær (Old English) — careful
Memory Aid
🍒Sounds like “cherry”
Imagine a CHERRY that looks delicious but is actually a ROTTEN fruit, making you CHARY about eating!
Visual Association
🧐A person cautiously peering at a fruit bowl, unsure if the cherries are fresh or spoiled.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “chary” mean on the GRE?
chary (adjective) means “Wary; reluctant to do something”. Investors grew chary of the market after the third unexpected downturn in as many months eroded confidence in economic forecasts.
How to remember “chary” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “chary” sounds like “cherry”. Imagine a CHERRY that looks delicious but is actually a ROTTEN fruit, making you CHARY about eating!
What are synonyms for “chary”?
Common synonyms: cautious, wary, careful.