solicitous
adjective
so·lic·i·tous sə-ˈli-sə-təs 
-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.
Synonyms
- attentive
- considerate
- kind
- thoughtful
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
I appreciated his solicitous inquiry about my health. He had always been solicitous for the welfare of his family.
Recent Examples on the Web Its very title gives an indication of just how much trust the audience should put in Jack, Bella’s ever-solicitous husband. 
New York Times, 20 July 2022 The European Union is considering a similar ban, and the U.N. report is another reason for Europe to rethink its solicitous relationship with Beijing. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 1 Sep. 2022 But in all his dealings with his teenage wife, is Alfonso not appropriately courtly and solicitous? Ron Charles, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2022 Their latest collaboration, though also solicitous of your shivers, has something rather different in mind. Justin Changfilm Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2022 The Democrats, ever solicitous of the people’s welfare and comfort, want to make voting easier. Harvey C. Mansfield, WSJ, 1 July 2022 And Hernán, who has been especially patient and solicitous with Jessica’s request, suddenly disappears. Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2022 That’s a quality that can be interpreted as solicitous and sympathetic. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 May 2022 Even as its diplomatic approach to China has become more solicitous, the US has continued to sound the alarm on the rising threat that China poses to Europe. Olivia Enos, Forbes, 16 May 2022 See More
New York Times, 20 July 2022 The European Union is considering a similar ban, and the U.N. report is another reason for Europe to rethink its solicitous relationship with Beijing. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 1 Sep. 2022 But in all his dealings with his teenage wife, is Alfonso not appropriately courtly and solicitous? Ron Charles, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2022 Their latest collaboration, though also solicitous of your shivers, has something rather different in mind. Justin Changfilm Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2022 The Democrats, ever solicitous of the people’s welfare and comfort, want to make voting easier. Harvey C. Mansfield, WSJ, 1 July 2022 And Hernán, who has been especially patient and solicitous with Jessica’s request, suddenly disappears. Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2022 That’s a quality that can be interpreted as solicitous and sympathetic. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 May 2022 Even as its diplomatic approach to China has become more solicitous, the US has continued to sound the alarm on the rising threat that China poses to Europe. Olivia Enos, Forbes, 16 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Latin sollicitus
First Known Use
1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1
solicitous
adjective
1
as in attentive
given to or made with heedful anticipation of the needs and happiness of others a most solicitous husband, he had already cleaned the house and cooked dinner by the time his wife returned home from work Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- attentive
- thoughtful
- kind
- caring
- gracious
- considerate
- respectful
- hospitable
- generous
- polite
- sympathetic
- helpful
- compassionate
- courteous
- kindly
- obliging
- kindhearted
- neighborly
- good
- gallant
- benevolent
- dutiful
- chivalrous
- deferential
- nice
- tactful
- diplomatic
- regardful
- good-hearted
- brotherly
- benignant
- magnanimous
- tender
- unselfish
- altruistic
- beneficent
- selfless
- humane
- charitable
- courtly
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- heedless
- thoughtless
- inattentive
- inconsiderate
- unthinking
- uncaring
- unkind
- unheeding
- inhospitable
- unkindly
- rude
- impolite
- unmannerly
- uncivil
- unhelpful
- malicious
- malevolent
- spiteful
- ill-bred
- ill-mannered
- mean
2
as in enthusiastic
showing urgent desire or interest a family that is solicitous to put this whole unfortunate affair behind them and to move on with their lives Synonyms & Similar Words
- enthusiastic
- eager
- excited
- avid
- anxious
- ardent
- keen
- desirous
- impatient
- hungry
- happy
- greedy
- interested
- enthused
- voracious
- thirsty
- athirst
- antsy
- great
- pumped
- nuts
- agog
- ready
- willing
- stoked
- crazy
- raring
- gung ho
- hot
- wild
- engaged
- juiced
- hopped-up
- covetous
- geeked
- obsessed
- hepped up
- longing
- ambitious
- champing at the bit
- restless
- amenable
- chomping at the bit
- restive
- glad
- pining
- craving
- inclined
- disposed
- breathless
- hung up
- hankering
- appetent
- game
- unreluctant
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- indifferent
- apathetic
- unenthusiastic
- unconcerned
- disinterested
- nonchalant
- uninterested
- casual
- aloof
- insouciant
- detached
- incurious
- impassive
- stolid
- reluctant
- lackadaisical
- uneager
- unwilling
- averse
- lukewarm
- languid
- hesitant
- halfhearted
- spiritless
- loath
- loth
- languorous
- disinclined
- loathe
- fifteenths
- fifth
- fifth column
- fifth columnism
- fifth columnist
- Fifth day
- fifth disease
- fifth estate
- fifth freedom
- fifth monarchy
- Fifth Monarchy Man
- fifth quarter
- fifth species
- fifth wheel
- fifth-species counterpoint
- fifther
- fifthest
- fifthlier
- fifthliest
- fifthly
- fifths
- fiftier
- fifties
- fiftiest
- fiftieth