concern

¹con·cern

verb \kən-ˈsərn\

Definition of CONCERN

transitive verb

1

a : to relate to : be about <the novel concerns three soldiers>

b : to bear on

2

: to have an influence on : involve; also : to be the business or affair of <the problem concerns us all>

3

: to be a care, trouble, or distress to <her ill health concerns me>

4

: engage, occupy <he concerns himself with trivia>

intransitive verb

obsolete : to be of importance : matter

Examples of CONCERN

1. The novel concerns three soldiers.
2. This study concerns the noise levels in cities.
3. This conversation doesn't concern you.
4. Our mother's illness concerns us.

Origin of CONCERN

Middle English, from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French concerner, from Medieval Latin concernere, from Late Latin, to sift together, mingle, from Latin com- + cernere to sift — more at certain

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to CONCERN

Synonyms

cover, deal (with), pertain (to), treat (of), have to do with

Antonyms

calm, compose, quiet, settle, soothe, tranquilize (also tranquillize)

Related Words

appertain (to), bear (on or upon), refer (to), relate (to); advert (to), allude (to), cite, glance (upon), instance, mention, name, note, notice, quote, specify, touch (upon); offer, present; contain, embrace, encompass, entail, include, incorporate

Near Antonyms

exclude, omit; disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, overpass, pass over, slight, slur (over); brush (aside or off), reject, shrug off

Rhymes with CONCERN

adjourn, astern, attorn, casern, discern, downturn, epergne, eterne, extern, heartburn, Hepburn, intern, in turn, inurn, kick turn, lucerne, Lucerne, nocturn, nocturne, outturn, return, sauternes, secern, sojourn, star turn, stem turn, step turn, sunburn, unlearn, upturn, U-turn, windburn

²concern

noun

Definition of CONCERN

1

a : marked interest or regard usually arising through a personal tie or relationship

b : an uneasy state of blended interest, uncertainty, and apprehension

2

: something that relates or belongs to one : affair <it's no concern of yours>

3

: matter for consideration

4

: an organization or establishment for business or manufacture <a banking concern>

5

: contrivance, gadget

Examples of CONCERN

1. They have expressed concern about the cost of the project.
2. There is some concern that the economy might worsen.
3. I share your concern about these problems.
4. Their friend's health is a constant source of concern.
5. The governor needs to address voters' concerns about the economy.
6. They have raised concerns about the cost of the project.
7. Their friend's health is a constant concern.
8. His concern with the well-being of his family is obvious.
9. She has always shown genuine concern for the poor.
10. I appreciate your concern, but there's really nothing you can do to help.

First Known Use of CONCERN

1655

Related to CONCERN

Synonyms

business, company, enterprise, establishment, firm, house, interest, outfit

Antonyms

unconcern

Related Words

conglomerate, corporation, multinational; association, cartel, chain, combine, syndicate, trust; agency, dealer, outlet; microenterprise

Near Antonyms

calm, calmness, content, contentment, ease, easiness, peace, peacefulness, placidity, placidness, quiet, quietude, sereneness, serenity, tranquillity (or tranquility), tranquilness; comfort, consolation, relief, solace

See Synonym Discussion at care