Solicitude — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /sə-ˈli-sə-ˌtüd/ so·lic·i·tude

Meaning & Definition of Solicitude

Solicitude (noun)

  1. the state of being concerned and anxious
  2. attentive care and protectiveness; also, an attitude of earnest concern or attention
  3. a cause of care or concern —usually used in plural

Solicitude (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble

    "a growing solicitude over the possible results of the criminal investigation"

    similar: agita, agitation, anxiety, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, care, concern, concernment, disquiet, disquietude, fear, nervosity, nervousness, perturbation, sweat, unease, uneasiness, worry
    related: strain, stress, tension, alarm, anguish, consternation, desperateness, desperation, discomfort, discomposure, dismay, distraction, distress, disturbance, edginess, franticness, hand-wringing, jitters, jumpiness, panic, tremor, angst, fearfulness, torment, upset, vexation, cold feet, doubt, dread, foreboding, incertitude, misgiving, presentiment, suspense, uncertainty, compunction, qualm, scruple
    opposite: unconcern
    near: calm, calmness, content, contentment, ease, easiness, peace, peacefulness, placidity, placidness, quiet, quietude, sereneness, serenity, tranquility, tranquilness, comfort, consolation, relief, solace

  2. attention accompanied by protectiveness and responsibility

    "she shows much more solicitude toward her aging parents than any of her siblings do"

    similar: care, carefulness, lovingness, solicitousness
    related: concern, considerateness, consideration, kindness, thoughtfulness, babying, coddling, pampering
    opposite: carelessness
    near: inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness, unconcern, unkindness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Solicitude

The most common words with a similar meaning to Solicitude:

agita, agitation, anxiety, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, care, concern, concernment, disquiet, disquietude, fear, nervosity, nervousness, perturbation, sweat, unease, uneasiness, worry, carefulness, lovingness, solicitousness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Solicitude

Words with the opposite meaning of Solicitude:

unconcern, carelessness

Related Words for Solicitude

strain, stress, tension, alarm, anguish, consternation, desperateness, desperation, discomfort, discomposure, dismay, distraction, distress, disturbance, edginess, franticness, hand-wringing, jitters, jumpiness, panic, tremor, angst, fearfulness, torment, upset, vexation, cold feet, doubt, dread, foreboding

Near Antonyms of Solicitude

calm, calmness, content, contentment, ease, easiness, peace, peacefulness, placidity, placidness, quiet, quietude, sereneness, serenity, tranquility, tranquilness, comfort, consolation, relief, solace, inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness, unkindness

Origin & Etymology of Solicitude

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Solicitude

What does "Solicitude" mean?

"Solicitude" means the state of being concerned and anxious. As a noun, it is defined as: the state of being concerned and anxious. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Solicitude"?

Other words for "Solicitude" include agita, agitation, anxiety, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, care and concern. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Solicitude" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Solicitude"?

There are 67 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Solicitude". Common alternatives include agita, agitation, anxiety, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, care, concern, concernment and disquiet.

What is the opposite of "Solicitude"?

Antonyms of "Solicitude" include unconcern and carelessness. Near antonyms include calm, calmness, content and contentment.

How do you use "Solicitude" in a sentence?

Examples of "Solicitude" in a sentence: "a growing solicitude over the possible results of the criminal investigation"; "she shows much more solicitude toward her aging parents than any of her siblings do".

Is "Solicitude" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Solicitude" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Solicitude"?

"Solicitude" is pronounced /sə-ˈli-sə-ˌtüd/ and divided into syllables as so·lic·i·tude.

What is the origin of the word "Solicitude"?

First known use: 15th century.