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

Derived Forms

• soˈlicitously, adverb
• soˈlicitousness, noun

Other Words From

• so·lici·tous·ly adverb
• so·lici·tous·ness noun
• nonso·lici·tous adjective
• nonso·lici·tous·ly adverb
• nonso·lici·tous·ness noun
• unso·lici·tous adjective
• unso·lici·tous·ly adverb
• unso·lici·tous·ness 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

The music of jazz trumpeter Enrico Rava washes over the dining room as solicitous waiters recite the evening’s specials, their delivery unaffected by the thud of bombs falling on a neighborhood nearby.

From Los Angeles Times

“He was very solicitous and understanding. I was glad I brought it up.”

From Los Angeles Times

He first began overseeing the case in 2020, and over the months, a dualistic approach emerged: He was solicitous in the courtroom and scathing in written decisions.

From Seattle Times

Whatever his imperious reputation, Ramsay is chummy and solicitous in conversation.

From New York Times

He describes himself as “pandering and solicitous” in public and is fully aware of the way amiability can blur into inauthenticity, But he’s too self-critical to be a fake.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attentive
• loving
• mindful
• worried
• zealous