Concern

Definition

Concern is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a feeling of worry, interest, or care about someone or something. As a verb, it means to relate to or affect someone or something, or to make someone feel worry or care.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kənˈsɜrn/
• Respelling: kuhn-SURN

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kənˈsɜːn/
• Respelling: kuhn-SURN

Etymology

The word "concern" originates from the Latin "concernere," meaning "to sift together" or "mix." It passed into Old French as "concerner" and then into English in the 16th century, where it evolved to mean "relate to" or "worry about."

Derivatives

• Concerning (preposition/adjective)
• Concerned (adjective)
• Unconcerned (adjective)
• Concernedly (adverb)
• Concernment (noun)

Synonyms

• Worry
• Anxiety
• Interest

Antonyms

• Indifference
• Calmness
• Neglect

Usage

The noun "concern" is often used to describe a feeling of worry or care, as in "Her main concern was her family's safety." The verb form is used to indicate involvement or relevance, as in "This issue concerns everyone involved."

Related Terms

• Anxiety: A feeling of worry or unease.
• Care: Serious attention or consideration applied to doing something correctly.
• Attention: Focused interest or involvement in something.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A feeling of worry or care: Describes an emotional state of unease about a specific matter.
  • Example: "She expressed deep concern for her friend's health."
• An interest or stake in something: Refers to having a vested interest or being affected by an issue.
  • Example: "Environmental issues are a major concern for the organization."
• A business or organization: In business contexts, it can refer to an entity or company.
  • Example: "The family ran a successful trading concern."

Verb

• To relate to or be about: Indicates the subject matter of something.
  • Example: "This document concerns company policy."
• To make someone feel worried or uneasy: Describes causing a feeling of worry or anxiety in someone.
  • Example: "The rise in crime rates concerns the community."