solicitous

[suh-lis-i-tuhs]

adjective

1. anxious or concerned (usually followed by about, for, etc., or a clause).

   solicitous about a person's health.

   Synonyms: attentive, regardful, mindful
   Antonyms: careless, unconcerned

2. anxiously desirous.

   solicitous of the esteem of others.

3. eager (usually followed by an infinitive).

   He was always solicitous to please.

4. careful or particular.

   a solicitous housekeeper.

solicitous

/ səˈlɪsɪtəs /

adjective

1. showing consideration, concern, attention, etc

2. keenly anxious or willing; eager

Other Word Forms

• solicitously adverb
• solicitousness noun
• nonsolicitous adjective
• nonsolicitously adverb
• nonsolicitousness noun
• unsolicitous adjective
• unsolicitously adverb
• unsolicitousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of solicitous¹

First recorded in 1555–65, solicitous is from the Latin word sollicitus anxious. See solicit, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of solicitous¹

C16: from Latin sollicitus anxious; see _solicit

Example Sentences

Suzanne has an iron will that she thinly veils with a solicitous smile.

From Los Angeles Times

They emphasise that Palace staff thought the Trumps were warm and solicitous guests in 2019, both keen not to put a foot wrong.

From BBC

Trump has also been consistent in his solicitous views toward Putin and the Russian perspective.

From BBC

He was unfailingly polite, even solicitous, enquiring about my family, and the journey to Syria.

From BBC

The music of jazz trumpeter Enrico Rava washes over the dining room as solicitous waiters recite the evening’s specials, their delivery unaffected by the thud of bombs falling on a neighborhood nearby.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attentive 
• loving 
• mindful 
• worried 
• zealous