solicitous — English Dictionary

Adjective

1. Disposed to solicit; eager to obtain something desirable, or to avoid anything evil.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   To that end, the then Biſhop of London, Dʳ Laud, attended on his Majeſty throughout that whole journey[…]to accompliſh which he was no leſs ſollicitous than the King himſelf, nor the King the leſs ſollicitous for his Advice.

   Where pain is most severe and sorrow most bitter, there love is most solicitous and untiring.

2. Showing care, concern, or attention, in any of several ways: In a conscientious way, often with kindness.

   Usage

   • usually

   Examples

   solicitous about a person's health

   solicitous inquiries, asking after her husband and children

   More examples (2)

   You have not only been careful of my fortune, which was the effect of your nobleneſs, but you have been ſolicitous of my reputation, which is that of your kindneſs.

   The more solicitous of the two was Nurse Cramer, a shapely, pretty, sexless girl with a wholesome unattractive face.

3. Showing care, concern, or attention, in any of several ways: In an eager way.

   Usage

   • usually

4. Showing care, concern, or attention, in any of several ways: In an anxious or distressed way.

   Usage

   • usually

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Enjoy the preſent whatſoever it be, and be not ſollicitous for the future : for if you take your foot from the preſent ſtanding, and thruſt it forward toward to morrow’s even, you are in a reſtleſs condition, it is like refuſing to quench your preſent thirſt by fearing you ſhall want to drink the next day.

Adjective

1. full of anxiety and concern

   Examples

   solicitous parents

   solicitous about the future

2. showing hovering attentiveness

   Examples

   solicitous about her health

   made solicitous inquiries about our family