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chary

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The definition of chary is a person who does not take chances or is not very giving.

(adjective)

An example of chary is someone who always drives just below the speed limit.
An example of chary is someone who rarely hugs others.

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See chary in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective charier, chariest

not taking chances; careful; cautious: to be chary of offending others
not giving freely; sparing: chary of his hospitality

Origin: ME chari, concerned, sorrowful < OE cearig, sorrowful < cearu, caru, care; change of sense by assoc. with care

See chary in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective char·i·er, char·i·est

Very cautious; wary: was chary of the risks involved.
Not giving or expending freely; sparing: was chary of compliments.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English chari, careful, sorrowful

Origin: , from Old English cearig, sorrowful

Origin: , from cearu, sorrow; see care

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Related Forms:

charˈi·ly adverb

charˈi·ness noun

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