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solicitude

noun so·lic·i·tude \ sə-ˈli-sə-ˌtüd , -ˌtyüd \

Definition of solicitude

1 a :the state of being concerned and anxious
b :attentive care and protectiveness; also :an attitude of earnest concern or attention
  • expressed solicitude for his health
2 :a cause of care or concern —usually used in plural

See solicitude defined for English-language learners

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Examples of solicitude in a Sentence

  1. He expressed solicitude for my health.

  2. a growing solicitude over the possible results of the criminal investigation

Recent Examples of solicitude from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'solicitude.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of solicitude

15th century

solicitude Synonyms

Synonyms
agita, agitation, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, care, concern, concernment, disquiet, disquietude, fear, nervosity, nervousness, perturbation, anxiety, sweat, unease, uneasiness, worry
Antonyms
unconcern
Related Words
strain, stress, tension; alarm (also alarum), anguish, consternation, desperateness, desperation, discomfort, discomposure, dismay, distraction, distress, disturbance, edginess, franticness, hand-wringing, jitters, jumpiness, panic, tremor; angst, fearfulness, torment, upset, vexation; cold feet, doubt, dread, foreboding, incertitude, misgiving, presentiment, suspense, uncertainty; compunction, qualm, scruple
Near Antonyms
calm, calmness, content, contentment, ease, easiness, peace, peacefulness, placidity, placidness, quiet, quietude, sereneness, serenity, tranquillity (or tranquility), tranquilness; comfort, consolation, relief, solace

Synonym Discussion of solicitude

care, concern, solicitude, anxiety, worry mean a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this. care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension.
    • a face worn by years of care
concern implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection.
    • crimes caused concern in the neighborhood
solicitude implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another.
    • acted with typical maternal solicitude
anxiety stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure.
    • plagued by anxiety and self-doubt
worry suggests fretting over matters that may or may not be real cause for anxiety.
    • financial worries

SOLICITUDE Defined for English Language Learners

solicitude

noun

Definition of solicitude for English Language Learners

  • : concern that someone feels about someone's health, happiness, etc.

Learn More about solicitude

  1. See words that rhyme with solicitude Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for solicitude Spanish Central: Translation of solicitude Nglish: Translation of solicitude for Spanish speakers

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Examples: solicitude in a Sentence