solicitous
Meaning: Showing attentive concern or anxious care for someone's comfort, wellbeing, or wishes. Can imply genuine kindness or, in some contexts, fussy over-attentiveness.
Solicitous describes a quality of hovering, watchful care that can be either admirable or slightly suffocating, depending on context. A solicitous host makes sure every guest is comfortable; a solicitous parent may cross the line into overprotectiveness. The word is followed by 'about,' 'of,' or 'for' and appears in literary fiction, biographical writing, and hospitality reviews. It is more formal and nuanced than 'caring' and less intense than 'anxious,' occupying an elegant middle ground.
Examples
- The nurse was unfailingly solicitous, checking on her patient at regular intervals throughout the night. 那位护士始终殷勤周到,整夜定时查看病人的状况。La enfermera fue indefectiblemente solícita, comprobando el estado de su paciente a intervalos regulares durante toda la noche.その看護師は一晩中定期的に患者の様子を確認し、終始気配りを怠らなかった。그 간호사는 밤새 정기적으로 환자의 상태를 확인하며 한결같이 세심한 배려를 보였다.
- He was solicitous about his mother's health, telephoning her every morning and evening without fail. 他非常关心母亲的健康,每天早晚都会给她打电话。Se mostraba solícito por la salud de su madre, telefoneándola cada mañana y cada noche sin falta.彼は母親の健康を非常に気遣い、毎朝毎晩欠かさず電話をかけていた。그는 어머니의 건강을 매우 걱정하여 매일 아침저녁으로 빠짐없이 전화를 했다.
- The hotel staff were almost excessively solicitous, anticipating every need before the guest had thought to ask. 酒店工作人员几乎是过分殷勤的,在客人想到需要之前就已满足了一切。El personal del hotel fue casi excesivamente solícito, anticipándose a cada necesidad antes de que el huésped pensara en pedirla.ホテルのスタッフはほぼ過剰なほど気が利き、宿泊客が求める前にあらゆるニーズを先取りしていた。호텔 직원들은 거의 과할 정도로 세심하여, 투숙객이 요청하기도 전에 모든 필요를 미리 충족시켰다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: literary, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin sollicitus (agitated, anxious, attentive), from sollus (whole, entire) and citus (set in motion). Entered English in the mid-16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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