solicitous
/sə'lisitəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Showing hovering attentiveness; excessively or anxiously concerned: Describes a state of being very attentive, careful, or concerned, often to the point of anxiety. It implies a deep, watchful care for someone's well-being or for the outcome of a situation.
- Eager; desirous: Expressing a strong wish or desire for something.
Usage and Examples
- Showing anxious care:
- He was solicitous about her health after the surgery.
- The manager made solicitous inquiries about the well-being of her team during the difficult project.
- Full of concern or anxiety:
- As a solicitous parent, she checked on her child multiple times during the night.
- They were solicitous about the future of the company.
- Eager or desirous (less common):
- The ambassador was solicitous of good relations between the two countries.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Solicitous of": This prepositional phrase is commonly used to indicate the object of one's care, concern, or desire.
- She was always solicitous of her guests' comfort. (She was very attentive to ensuring her guests were comfortable.)
- He is solicitous of praise. (He is eager to receive praise.)
- The word often carries a slightly formal tone and can sometimes imply an excessive or fussy level of attention.
Variants and Related Words
- Solicitously (adverb): In a solicitous manner.
- He nodded solicitously as she explained her problem.
- Solicitude (noun): The state of being solicitous; anxious care.
- Her solicitude for the refugees was evident in her actions.
- Solicit (verb): To ask for or try to obtain something from someone. (Note: This is the root verb but has a different primary meaning related to requesting).
Synonyms
- Attentive: Paying close attention.
- Concerned: Worried or anxious about something.
- Anxious: Experiencing worry or unease.
- Conscientious: Wishing to do what is right, particularly in one's work or duty.
- Devoted: Very loving or loyal.
Antonyms
- Neglectful: Not giving proper care or attention.
- Indifferent: Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.
- Nonchalant: Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm.
- Unconcerned: Not worried or anxious.
Idiomatic Expressions
- While "solicitous" itself is not typically part of fixed idioms, its related noun "solicitude" can be used in formal expressions of care.
- He expressed his solicitude for their safety.
Adjective
- showing hovering attentiveness
- solicitous about her health
- made solicitous inquiries about our family
- full of anxiety and concern
- solicitous parents
- solicitous about the future