These words agree in denoting a troubled state of mind. Solicitude , the most formal term, often implies anxious attention or devotion to another’s welfare: The solicitude shown him by his neighbours after the robbery touched him deeply. Solicitude is especially used when the involvement of others is disinterested, stemming from feelings of charity or brotherhood rather than from intimacy or blood relationship: the solicitude of kings over the well-being of their subject.

Care arises from responsibility or affection for others, and may vary from mild concern to profound worry : care for one’s children. Concern is the absence of indifference, and hence implies voluntary involvement: concern for the nation’s welfare. Worry implies an oppressive and fretful anxiety, and is often needless or excessive: distraught with worry over his daughter’s late hours. Worry is the most personal and most intensely felt of these words, although it is sometimes used of impersonal situations to indicate irrational concern: burdened with all the worries of the world. Care implies an intimate and often deep attachment. Concern is more detached, and may indicate only a formal response to an impersonal situation: The Prime Minister expressed his concern over the threatened postal strike.