Solicitous
Good hosts, worried parents, and anyone who asks twice if you are warm enough share this attentive energy.
Learn This WordMeaning
Showing concern or care for someone’s needs and well-being; attentive and considerate.
Memory trick
SOLICITOUS sounds like "solace" + care, offering concern and comfort.
Examples
The mentor was solicitous about the intern’s workload and growth.
She wrote a solicitous note after hearing about his illness.
Good managers are solicitous without becoming controlling.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin sollicitus "anxious, troubled, attentive," from sollus "whole" + citus "moved."
Usage Notes
Can describe kindly concern; in some contexts it can imply over-attentive fussing.
Real-life contexts
Use for leadership: "Be solicitous of people’s energy, not just output."
Use in writing: "Her solicitous tone made the message feel human."
Use carefully: "Too solicitous can feel paternalistic."
Common Mistakes
Don’t confuse solicitous with “soliciting.” One is caring concern, the other is requesting.
Master This Word
Add "solicitous" to your vocabulary and practice with AI & smart flashcards!
Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
adjective
Difficulty
advancedMonthly Searches
~12,000