Leery
/ˈlɪri/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Leery describes a feeling when someone is careful and does not fully trust a person, situation, or thing. It means you are alert and watchful because you expect something bad or tricky might happen. People feel leery when they want to protect themselves from possible problems.
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See It in Action
Feeling cautious or suspicious about something or someone
- •She was leery of the stranger who asked too many questions.
- •Investors are leery of putting money into risky businesses.
- •He felt leery about walking home alone at night.
Showing a warning or doubt in behavior or expression
- •The dog gave a leery look when the new person approached.
- •His leery smile showed he didn’t fully believe the story.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "leery" like "careful," but with a stronger feeling of doubt or worry that something might go wrong.
- ✓Picture someone looking around nervously before entering a dark alley, their eyes moving quickly to check for danger.
- ✓It's the feeling you get when you meet a stranger who seems friendly but you are not sure if you should trust them.
- ✓Sounds like "LEER-ee" → imagine someone looking sideways with a small frown, as if they are unsure or suspicious.
- ✓In stories, a character might be leery before accepting a mysterious gift, unsure if it is a trick.
- ✓NOT like "curious" (which is wanting to know more), leery is more about fear or doubt about what could happen.
- ✓NOT like "careless" (not paying attention), leery means paying close attention because you feel unsure.
- ✓NOT like "trusting" (believing someone), leery means you do NOT trust fully and want to be careful.
Try Other Words
- •Cautious: careful to avoid danger or problems (Use when focus is on careful behavior without strong doubt)
- •Suspicious: feeling that something is wrong or someone is not honest (Use when you strongly suspect dishonesty or danger)
- •Distrustful: not trusting someone or something (Use when trust is broken or very low)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix; root "leer" related to looking sideways or suspiciously)
- •Etymology: From English "leer," meaning to look sideways in a way that shows doubt or suspicion, plus "-y" to make an adjective
- •Historical development: "Leery" appeared in English in the late 1800s to describe a suspicious or cautious attitude
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe feelings of doubt, caution, or suspicion toward people, situations, or ideas
- •Interesting fact: "Leer" alone often means a sly or unpleasant look, but "leery" focuses on the feeling of caution or doubt
Reflect & Connect
•When have you felt leery about a new situation or person? What made you feel that way?
•How can being leery help you make better decisions in everyday life?
Fill in the blanks
1.She felt leery about giving her personal information because she ___ the person might misuse it.
2.People are often leery ___ offers that sound too good to be true.
3.Unlike being curious, feeling leery means you ___ trust the situation completely.
4.When someone is leery, they usually act ___ and watch carefully before deciding.
5.He gave a leery glance ___ the strange noise outside his window.
6.Investors became leery ___ the new company after hearing negative news.
7.If you are leery of something, it means you want to ___ any possible problems or dangers.