noun

solicitude

suh-LIS-ih-tood/səˈlɪsɪtuːd/

Care and concern for someone's well-being.

The parent's solicitude shows in the careful adjustment of the child's helmet strap.

Parent carefully adjusts child's bicycle helmet strap with attentive caring expression before ride, no injury or traffic.

Etymology

soliLatinwhole, entire

+ciLatinshake, set in motion

+tudeLatinstate or condition

The roots suggest being wholly stirred up or agitated. Through the sense of anxiety or uneasiness of mind, solicitude came to express attentive concern for another person's well-being.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain21:11

he felt some solicitude in giving his young son so important a charge but he endeavored to guard against the danger of an unfortunate result by putting the ablest generals on Alexander's side

Alexander the Great Biography (Audiobook)

More examples

His solicitude for his elderly neighbor leads him to check in daily.
We appreciate your solicitude during our daughter's recovery.
She listens to her friend's worries with genuine solicitude.

Forms

solicitude

solicitous adjective — Showing attentive concern for someone's well-being.

Similar words

concern: Can emphasize worry rather than the attentive care solicitude suggests.
care: Often emphasizes practical help rather than a concerned attitude.