solicitous
suh-LIS-ih-tuhs
/səˈlɪsɪtəs/
Characterized by showing great care, eager concern, or anxious attentiveness regarding another person's health, happiness, or comfort.
Implies active, almost anxious devotion to serving or checking on another person's well-being.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'sollicitus' ('agitated' or 'thoroughly moved'), combining 'sollus' (whole) and 'citus' (excited/aroused). It originally described a state of inner agitation or worry before evolving into eager, protective attentiveness.
Word relationships
- attentive: Paying close attention to needs without necessarily feeling anxious concern.
- mindful: Conscious and aware of requirements or obligations.
- unconcerned: Lacking interest or care about someone's state.
- indifferent: Completely lacking concern, sympathy, or interest.
Commonly confused with
- solicitor: A solicitor is a legal lawyer (UK) or petitioner; solicitous describes an overly caring and attentive attitude.
Word family
- solicitude (noun): Care or concern for someone or something.
- solicitously (adverb): In a caring, anxiously attentive manner.
- solicit (verb): To ask for or try to obtain something from someone.
Collocations
- solicitous about health
- solicitous host
- overly solicitous
- solicitous care
Idioms & expressions
- mother hen
- hovering over
Example sentences
- "The host was extraordinarily solicitous, making sure every guest had fresh refreshments and comfortable seating." Hospitality management
- "He was deeply solicitous about her health, inquiring daily after her recovery with genuine affection." 19th-century novel analysis
Memory hook
SOLICITOUS hosts SOLICIT every opportunity to make you comfortable. SOLICITOUS = SO-LOVING-ly attentive.
When not to use
Avoid when describing distant, passive, or cold courtesy.
Fun facts
- In Victorian literature, 'solicitous' often had a dual edge—describing both noble devotion and meddlesome, hovering behavior.
Related words
Explore more words
attentiveness, obsequious, assiduous, diligent, fastidious, selfless
Also appears in
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