Concern: meaning, definitions and examples

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concern

 

[ kənˈsərn ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

anxiety

Concern is a feeling of worry or anxiety about something. It is a state of being interested in or caring about something. Concern can also refer to an issue or matter that is important or meaningful.

Synonyms

anxiety, care, interest, issue, worry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
concern

Used when expressing worry about a particular matter or situation.

  • She expressed concern about the environmental impact of the project
  • His main concern was whether the budget would be approved
worry

Used when talking about the feeling of being unhappy or anxious about something that might happen.

  • Parents often worry about their children's future
  • There's no need to worry; everything will be fine
anxiety

Used when describing a feeling of nervousness, worry, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.

  • Before the exam, she felt a lot of anxiety
  • His anxiety levels were high before the big presentation
interest

Used when referring to curiosity or attention towards a certain topic or activity.

  • He has a strong interest in history
  • The new policy has generated a lot of interest among the employees
care

Used when talking about giving attention and consideration to something or someone.

  • She takes great care of her garden
  • Please handle this with care
issue

Used when discussing a problem or topic that requires attention or debate.

  • The company is facing several major issues
  • Homelessness is a significant issue in many cities

Examples of usage

  • I have a concern about the safety of our children.
  • She expressed her concern about the environment.
  • The government should address the public's concerns.
  • His main concern is the well-being of his family.
  • Global warming is a major concern for scientists.
Context #2 | Verb

worry

To concern is to cause someone to feel worried or anxious. It can also mean to be relevant or important to someone. Concern can also refer to showing interest or care for someone or something.

Synonyms

affect, interest, involve, trouble, worry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
concern

This word is typically used to express worry or care about a matter or situation. It can be used both in personal and formal contexts.

  • Her health is a major concern for the doctors.
  • Environmental issues are a growing concern globally.
worry

This word is used to describe the state of being anxious or concerned about current or potential problems. It is commonly used in personal contexts with a negative connotation.

  • His constant worry about the future is affecting his health.
  • Don't worry, everything will be alright.
trouble

This word conveys a sense of difficulty, problems, or distress. It often has a negative connotation and is used in both personal and formal contexts.

  • She's going through a lot of trouble at work.
  • The car trouble delayed their trip.
affect

This word is used to describe the impact or influence something has on someone or something. It is commonly used in scientific, academic, and formal contexts.

  • The new policy will affect the entire community.
  • The weather significantly affects my mood.
involve

This word describes participation or inclusion of someone or something in an activity or situation. It's often used in formal and informal settings.

  • The project will involve multiple departments.
  • Parenting involves a lot of patience.
interest

This word is often used when talking about curiosity, attention, or investment in a particular subject or activity. It can be used both informally and formally.

  • He has a deep interest in ancient history.
  • I have no interest in watching that movie.

Examples of usage

  • The recent news concerns me.
  • It concerns me that you haven't arrived yet.
  • This issue concerns all of us.
  • She concerns herself with the well-being of others.
  • The safety of the passengers concerns the pilot.

Translations

Translations of the word "concern" in other languages:

🇵🇹 preocupação

🇮🇳 चिंता

🇩🇪 Besorgnis

🇮🇩 keprihatinan

🇺🇦 занепокоєння

🇵🇱 zaniepokojenie

🇯🇵 心配

🇫🇷 préoccupation

🇪🇸 preocupación

🇹🇷 endişe

🇰🇷 걱정

🇸🇦 قلق

🇨🇿 obava

🇸🇰 obava

🇨🇳 担忧

🇸🇮 skrb

🇮🇸 áhyggja

🇰🇿 алаңдау

🇬🇪 შეშფოთება

🇦🇿 narahatlıq

🇲🇽 preocupación

Etymology

The word 'concern' originated from the Latin word 'concernere' which means 'to sift, mix, or mingle together'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the idea of being related to or having an interest in something. The word has been used in English since the 15th century, adapting to its current usage to express worry, importance, or care.

See also: concerned, concernedly, concerning, concerns, unconcern, unconcerned, unconcernedly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,276, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.