Word of the Day - 02/01/26
solicitous
/sə'lɪsɪtəs/(adj.): full of anxiety and concern
He was solicitous about his sister's health after her accident.
(adj.): showing hovering attentiveness
The solicitous waiter constantly refilled their water glasses and asked if they needed anything else.
Word Origin
The word 'solicitous' originated in the late 15th century, coming from the Latin word *sollicitus*, meaning 'anxious' or 'uneasy'. This Latin term is a compound of *sollus*, meaning 'whole' or 'entire', and *citus*, the past participle of *ciere*, meaning 'to move' or 'to rouse'. Thus, *sollicitus* literally means 'wholly moved' or 'thoroughly agitated'.
Words with a similar origin, specifically sharing the Latin root *ciere* ('to move' or 'to rouse'), include 'cite', 'excite', 'incite', and 'resuscitate'. The word 'solicit' is also directly derived from the same Latin root as 'solicitous'.
As a reminder, here are all of the words from this week:
erudite evanescent petulance
solicitous
See if you can remember all of this week's words! Here is a sentence that includes all seven, followed by a version that simplifies them to help you remember:
The pallid, erudite parrot began to vituperate with magnificent petulance about its philosophical antecedent, while a solicitous penguin listened politely, aware the whole tantrum was gloriously evanescent.The pale, smart parrot began to rant angrily with impressive sulkiness about its philosophical ancestor, while a caring penguin listened politely, aware the whole tantrum was gloriously short-lived.