Concerning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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concerning

[kษ™nหˆsษ™rnษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in relation to

relating to; about

Synonyms

in relation to, pertaining to, regarding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
concerning

Use when you want to talk about something that might cause worry or is a subject of attention.

  • The news about the recent outbreak is quite concerning.
  • His health condition is very concerning.
regarding

Use for formal communication when referring to a specific topic or subject.

  • I am writing to you regarding your recent application.
  • Regarding your question, I have some additional information.
pertaining to

Use in formal or academic contexts when talking about something that is connected to a particular subject.

  • The documents pertaining to the merger are confidential.
  • She gave a lecture pertaining to environmental science.
in relation to

Use when drawing comparisons or discussing relationships between two or more subjects.

  • We need to discuss the budget changes in relation to the new project.
  • The company's decision makes sense in relation to the current market situation.

Examples of usage

  • There are several issues concerning the new policy.
  • The letter is concerning your job application.
Context #2 | Preposition

about

relating to; about

Synonyms

in connection with, regarding, with regard to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
concerning

Typically used in formal or legal contexts when referring to a specific topic or matter. Can also have a negative connotation, meaning 'worrisome' or 'alarming'.

  • The report concerning the financial status of the company has been released.
  • The recent events are very concerning.
regarding

Commonly used in both formal and informal settings to reference a particular subject or topic. It is neutral in tone.

  • I received your email regarding the meeting schedule.
  • I have some questions regarding the new policy.
with regard to

Typically used in formal contexts to introduce the topic being discussed, similar to 'regarding' but slightly more formal.

  • With regard to your complaint, we are conducting a full review.
  • He has some concerns with regard to the upcoming changes.
in connection with

Used mainly in formal situations to indicate a relationship between items or events, often seen in official communications.

  • The police are investigating several suspects in connection with the robbery.
  • I am writing to you in connection with your recent job application.

Examples of usage

  • She made a statement concerning the incident.
  • The meeting will be concerning the budget for next year.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, feelings of concern can stimulate our fight-or-flight response, making it an important emotion for self-preservation.
  • Being overly concerned can lead to anxiety, which, if unmanaged, may impact everyday life and mental well-being.
  • Research suggests that expressing concerns, rather than bottling them up, can lead to better emotional health and stress management.

Communication

  • In literature and media, 'concerning' often introduces topics that require attention, such as news articles or essays addressing critical issues.
  • 'Concerning' can set a tone of seriousness; using it can evoke a sense of urgency or importance in conversations.
  • This word is commonly employed in formal language, making it appear in academic papers and reports where precision in discussing issues is required.

Cultural Context

  • In many cultures, showing concern for others is a sign of empathy and community spirit, fostering stronger social bonds.
  • Different societies may have unique expressions or phrases that convey concern, reflecting diverse ways cultures address emotional topics.
  • Cultural responses to being concerned can vary widely; for instance, some may approach it with direct conversation, while others may prefer more subtle signals.

Law and Policy

  • In legal contexts, 'concerning' is often used to introduce clauses that address specific obligations or risks outlined in contracts.
  • Government policies frequently start with 'concerning' to specify the subject matter, demonstrating the termโ€™s role in formal communication.
  • Awareness campaigns often frame issues as concerning to raise alarms and encourage public engagement in critical matters.

Origin of 'concerning'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'concerning' comes from the Latin 'concernere', which means 'to sift together', indicating how various thoughts blend into worries.
  • Originally, the prefix 'con-' means 'together', while 'cernere' refers to 'to separate or distinguish', hinting at the process of identifying what's troubling.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally meaning 'to relate to' or 'to concern someone'.

The word 'concerning' originated from the Middle English word 'concernen', which came from the Anglo-French word 'concerner', ultimately derived from the Latin word 'concernere', meaning 'to sift, distinguish, or sift out'. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage in English, where it denotes a relation to or about something.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At #978 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.