warily

adv

Etymology: Etymology tree English wary Middle English -ly English -ly English warily From wary + -ly.

1. In a careful and guarded manner, especially to avoid potential danger or harm.

   “She walked through the dark alley, warily glancing around to make sure she wasn't being followed.”

   “That her little Tarzan could destroy a great bull gorilla she knew to be improbable, and so, as she neared the spot from which the sounds of the struggle had come, she moved more warily and at last slowly and with extreme caution she traversed the lowest branches, peering eagerly into the moon- splashed blackness for a sign of the combatants.”

2. Without trust; in a manner showing a lack of trust.

   “He listened to the salesman's pitch warily, sensing a potential scam.”

   “The new king is viewed warily by Bangkok's elites, who have sometimes worried that he sympathises with populist politicians whom the army has twice kicked from power.”