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solicitous

adjective
so·​lic·​i·​tous | \ sə-ˈli-sə-təs How to pronounce solicitous (audio) , -ˈli-stəs\

Definition of solicitous

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
Other Words from solicitous Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about solicitous

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Other Words from solicitous

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

 Service is hit or miss, flaky at the bar during one visit, solicitous and thorough during a follow-up meal in the dining room. — Christina Tkacik, baltimoresun.com, "Inconsistent food and service make for a frustrating dining experience at Inner Harbor’s Blackwall Hitch," 15 Aug. 2019 Throughout Trump's presidency, critics have accused him of being too solicitous of Putin, and said the president appears to be grateful for Russia's election assistance. — David Jackson, USA TODAY, "At G20, Donald Trump tells Vladimir Putin, playfully: 'Don't meddle in the election'," 28 June 2019 Some Republican politicians in Tennessee, a state known for its tough anti-union policies, felt that VW had been too solicitous of the workers. — Chris Isidore, CNN, "Volkswagen employees in Tennessee could help determine the future of the United Auto Workers," 9 June 2019 Set to three movements of Tchaikovsky’s Third Symphony, its focal point is a magisterial, central ballerina paired with a solicitous partner. — Robert Greskovic, WSJ, "Personnel Changes and Premieres," 9 Oct. 2018 Initially, his deeds and words are obvious, solicitous and spiked with gentle teasing. — New York Times, "Review: In ‘Breath,’ Tasty Waves and Gnomic Truths," 31 May 2018 Some observers predict the governor will be solicitous to the McCain family's wishes. — Andrew O'reilly, Fox News, "McCain successor speculation mounts, amid partisan divide," 27 Aug. 2018 After the Helsinki summit when President Trump was so solicitous of Vladimir Putin, the new sanctions are also a useful message to Moscow that reckless behavior has costs. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "United Against Putin’s Poison," 8 Aug. 2018 Goodman, a solicitous host, was famous for hiring drivers to escort guests safely from parties and charity dinners at his home; their cars would appear the next morning parked in their own driveways. — Kevin Conley, Town & Country, "Too Much Horsepower," 24 Dec. 2012

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'solicitous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of solicitous

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for solicitous

Latin sollicitus

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More Definitions for solicitous

solicitous

adjective
How to pronounce solicitous (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of solicitous

formal : showing concern or care for someone's health, happiness, etc.

See the full definition for solicitous in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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