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

Jane, whose timidity is evident in the way she only reluctantly takes off her winter coat, behaves as though she’s been abducted by an overly solicitous kidnapper.

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

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

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

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

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Related Words

• attentive 
• loving 
• mindful 
• worried 
• zealous