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Solicitude

n. kind, thoughtful formal

What it means

Attentive concern for another person's welfare or comfort.

Reach for it when using elevated language for care shown through close, respectful attention

The host's solicitude extended to allergies, transport, and a quiet room.

Words to choose between 5

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
everyday
warm
professional
formal
  • Solicitude (this word)

  • everyday

    carefulness

    Fits when avoiding harm through caution is exact

    Careful Carefulness focuses on conduct and does not convey affectionate concern.

  • everyday

    concern

    Fits when awareness of another's difficulty is the point

    Careful Concern can remain anxious feeling without practical attention.

  • warm

    care

    Fits when ordinary language for concern and helpful action is best

    Careful Care covers many relationships; solicitude adds watchful attention.

  • warm

    thoughtfulness

    Fits when anticipating another person's comfort is central

    Careful A thoughtful gesture may be brief and need no ongoing concern.

  • professional

    attentiveness

    Fits when noticing and responding to needs deserves emphasis

    Careful Attentiveness can serve efficiency or etiquette rather than welfare.

Opposites 3

  • indifference
  • neglect
  • callousness

Common phrases 3

  • show solicitude

    The nurse continued to show solicitude without speaking for the patient.

  • maternal solicitude

    The memoir describes her maternal solicitude as warm but never controlling.

  • genuine solicitude

    Genuine solicitude led the organizers to ask what access people needed.

Usage notes

Keep in mind

Solicitude is rare and formal. It can also suggest anxious concern, so the surrounding action should clarify the positive sense.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated