adjective
solicitous
suh-LIS-ih-tuhs/səˈlɪsɪtəs/
Showing earnest care or anxious concern for someone or something.
The solicitous nurse checks often to make sure I am comfortable.
Etymology
The roots picture someone thoroughly stirred up, matching the ancestor’s meanings “restless,” “anxious,” and “careful.” In the selected sense, that concern is directed toward another person’s comfort or welfare as attentive care.
In context
solicitous of his fragile health she fought a valiant battle to get him to eat and sleep on a regular basis
More examples
- He is especially solicitous about his mother's health.
- Our host is solicitous of every guest's comfort.
- Her solicitous questions reassure me that she cares.
Forms
solicitous · more solicitous · most solicitous
solicitude noun — Earnest care or anxious concern for others.
solicitously adverb — In a caring or anxiously attentive manner.
Similar words
- attentive
- Emphasizes noticing and meeting needs, without necessarily feeling anxious.
- concerned
- Emphasizes worry or interest, without necessarily showing attentive care.
- considerate
- Emphasizes respecting others' feelings and needs rather than anxious care.