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cageyreluctant to give information owing to caution or suspicion; wary and circumspect

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: reluctant to give information owing to caution or suspicion; wary and circumspect

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkeɪdʒi/

Korean meaning: 조심스럽거나 의심스러워서 정보를 주기 꺼리는; 신중하고 경계하는

Korean pronunciation: **케이**지

Example Sentences

  • The celebrity was cagey when reporters asked about her secret wedding.
  • Why are you being so cagey about where you hid my birthday present?
  • The witness became cagey when questioned about his whereabouts that night.

cagey

ADJECTIVE

//ˈkeɪdʒi//

reluctant to give information owing to caution or suspicion; wary and circumspect

cagey concept
💡 Concept

a shifty-eyed suspect sits with crossed arms, looking away from a detective who leans forward asking questions. The suspect's body language shows clear reluctance as they avoid eye contact and keep their mouth tightly shut. The detective points to evidence on the table, clearly trying to get answers. The suspect responds by shrugging and turning their head even further away, refusing to cooperate. Other officers watch through a one-way mirror, frustrated by the lack of progress. someone being reluctant to give information owing to caution and suspicion

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈkeɪdʒi/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈkeɪdʒi/

🌳Etymology

Rootcage
Suffix--y

Origin

From the 1890s, derived from 'cage' meaning an enclosure for birds or animals. The word captures the cautious, wary behavior of a caged animal that remains alert and suspicious of its surroundings.

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🎵Rhyme

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📝Examples

The celebrity was cagey when reporters asked about her secret wedding.

😄 Fun example

Why are you being so cagey about where you hid my birthday present?

The witness became cagey when questioned about his whereabouts that night.

😄 Fun example

My cat gets cagey whenever I bring out the pet carrier.

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📚Related Words

Synonyms

warycautiousevasiveguardedsecretive

Antonyms

openforthcomingtransparent

Related

suspiciouscircumspectreticentelusive