English Explanatory Dictionary

leery

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Cautious, suspicious, wary, hesitant, or nervous about something; having reservations or concerns.
  2. Sly; artful; knowing.
  3. Leering; lecherous or unpleasant.

Pronunciation

/ˈlɪəɹi/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-leery.wav /ˈlɪɹi/ En-us-eerie.ogg /ˈlɪɚi/ /ˈliɹi/ /ˈliɹɪ/ /ˈliɹe/ /ˈliəɹi/ /ˈlɛːɹi/

Word forms

leery leerier leeriest leary

Etymology

First attested in 1718, “untrustful, suspicious”, either from leer (“sideward look”) + -y, lear (“learning, knowledge”) + -y. More at leer, lear.

Derived words

leerily leeriness unleery
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