solicitous
/səˈlɪsɪtəs/ (bre, ipa) · /səˈlɪsɪtəs/ (ame, ipa) · /sə-ˈli-sə-təs -ˈli-stəs/ (ame, mw)
solicitous — adjective
- solicitouspositive
- more solicitouscomparative
- most solicitoussuperlative
1. very kind and attentive toward another person, paying close attention to whether
very kind and attentive toward another person, paying close attention to whether they feel comfortable, safe, or content.
The night nurse was solicitous, checking on Maeve every hour after her operation.
describes warm, attentive care toward a patient
Christopher was always solicitous about his elderly neighbour, bringing her hot soup each winter.
solicitous about + person for whose welfare one cares
The host stayed solicitous for her guests' comfort, refilling glasses and offering warm blankets.
A solicitous waiter quietly moved the candle so Liang could read the menu more easily.
Yasmin's solicitous emails asked how Talia was sleeping and whether the new medicine helped.
- attentive
neutral and common; lacks the warm, slightly fussy concern of 'solicitous'
- caring
plainer and more everyday; 'solicitous' is formal and stresses visible effort
- considerate
focuses on not causing trouble; 'solicitous' adds active checking on someone
- indifferent
shows no interest in whether someone is comfortable or well
- neglectful
fails to give the care or attention someone needs
文法句型
solicitous about + noun
solicitous for + noun
用法筆記
Subject is usually a person showing kindness; the object of care follows 'about' or 'for'. Often suggests attention that is warm and slightly fussy, beyond simple politeness.
常見錯誤
2. filled with worry or nervous concern about a possible problem or danger.
filled with worry or nervous concern about a possible problem or danger.
Quan grew solicitous about the exam results, refreshing the school website every few minutes.
solicitous about + a feared or uncertain outcome
The captain was solicitous about the storm clouds gathering fast over the small harbour.
worried concern about an approaching danger
Élise sent a solicitous message, anxious that the missing hikers had not yet been found.
Camila felt solicitous about the loan, unsure whether the bank would approve it in time.
Zayd remained solicitous about his sister's safety during the long drive through the mountains.
- anxious
plainer and far more common; 'solicitous' in this sense is formal and literary
- apprehensive
stresses fear of something bad ahead; close match for this sense
- worried
everyday word; 'solicitous' sounds more careful and formal
- unconcerned
shows no worry about a possible problem
- carefree
free of worry or anxiety altogether
文法句型
solicitous about + noun
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense centres on the speaker's own worry or fear about a risk, not on warm attention given to another person. The feeling here is closer to 'anxious' than to 'caring'.