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Commonly Confused Words
Leary/Leery
Master confusing words with ease
Flotsam/Jetsam
Ashamed/Embarrassed
Sinecure/Cynosure
Waiver/Waver
Leary vs. Leery
Leary
Being cautious or suspicious about something or someone
Examples:
Synonyms:
wary
cautious
suspicious
Antonyms:
trusting
naive
unsuspecting
Leery
Feeling or showing a lack of trust in someone or something
Examples:
Synonyms:
suspicious
wary
cautious
distrustful
guarded
Antonyms:
trusting
gullible
naive
Ways to tell them apart:
"Leary" is often associated with the phrase
weary of
or
tired of
.
"Leery" has a cautious sound, hinting at someone being cautious or suspicious.
Think of
leery
as keeping your eyes
peeled
and
leary
as someone
wary
of overuse of certain things.
Double the
e
in leery to remind you to "keep your eyes wide open" because you are unsure about something.
Leary
could rhyme with
weary
, hinting fatigue, and
leery
with
clearly
, suggesting clear suspicion.
When to use leary:
When to use leery:
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