unwary
/ʌnˈwɛəri/
adjective
Origin
Old English
un- + waru — negative prefix + caution/vigilance
Overview
Meaning Now
- Not cautious; prone to being caught off guard or failing to notice potential dangers.
Literal older meaning
not having or showing caution
Language path
Proto-Germanic → Old English → English
Earliest form
unwary
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term is a straightforward Germanic construction. The root 'wary' (from 'ware') shares an etymological relationship with 'aware' and 'beware'. It emphasizes the state of being vigilant or watchful against potential hazards.
Evolution
- Proto-Germanic
*waraz
“cautious, wary”
Adjectival base meaning 'on guard'
- Old English
wær
“cautious, prudent”
Direct ancestor of 'wary'
- Middle English
unware
“unaware, incautious”
Formation of the compound with 'un-' prefix
- Modern English
unwary
“not cautious”
Standardization of spelling
Connections
Word parts
un-
prefix
not
wary
root
cautious
Related across languages
German
gewahr
aware/perceptive
Dutch
gewaar
aware
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Related to unwary
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.