solicitous

adjective

so·​lic·​i·​tous sə-ˈli-sə-təs How to pronounce solicitous (audio)
-ˈli-stəs
1
: manifesting or expressing solicitude
a solicitous inquiry about his health
2
: full of concern or fears : apprehensive
solicitous about the future
3
: meticulously careful
solicitous in matters of dress
4
: full of desire : eager
solicitously adverb
solicitousness noun

Did you know?

If you're solicitous about learning the connections between words, you'll surely want to know about the relationship between solicitous and another word you've probably heard before—solicit. Solicitous doesn't come from solicit, but the two words are related. They both have their roots in the Latin word sollicitus, meaning "anxious." Solicitous itself came directly from this Latin word, whereas solicit made its way to English with a few more steps. From sollicitus came the Latin verb sollicitare, meaning "to disturb, agitate, move, or entreat." Forms of this verb were borrowed into Anglo-French, and then Middle English, and have survived in Modern English as solicit.

Examples of solicitous in a Sentence

I appreciated his solicitous inquiry about my health. He had always been solicitous for the welfare of his family.
Recent Examples on the Web
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The explosion of professional opportunities available to artists, and of commercial interests solicitous of their talents, has carved out a niche for a new figure at the juncture of these collaborations: the artist agent. Natasha Degen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024 Curtain Bluff, Antigua One of only a handful of Relais & Châteaux properties in the region, this incredible all-inclusive five-star property prides itself on solicitous service and giving guests an authentic taste of life on Antigua. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 This allows guests to indulge in a sense of seclusion and tranquility, immersing themselves in the calming surroundings while still enjoying the solicitous service Four Seasons is known for. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 Fifteen of the original eighteen songs feature guest singers, and Post is a solicitous host, happy to be upstaged. Kelefa Sanneh, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for solicitous 

Word History

Etymology

Latin sollicitus

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of solicitous was in 1563

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Dictionary Entries Near solicitous

Cite this Entry

“Solicitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solicitous. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

solicitous

adjective
so·​lic·​i·​tous sə-ˈlis-ət-əs How to pronounce solicitous (audio)
1
: full of concern or fears : apprehensive
2
: very careful
3
: anxiously willing : eager
solicitously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on solicitous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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