concern

The word “concern” means a feeling of worry about something. In plain terms, most often used for worry about something, or to describe something being relevant to someone; also, less commonly, a business.

“Concern” is pronounced kuhn-SURN (/kənˈsɝn/ in IPA).

Here is “concern” used in a sentence: “There is growing concern about rising energy prices.”

Depending on how it is used, “concern” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “concern” comes from Latin. From Middle French concerner, ultimately from Latin concernō, "to mix or sift together" — later coming to mean "to have relevance to.".

“Concern” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Concern” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a feeling of worry about something.

The two are close, but concern is usually milder and more considered than worry. Concern is a thoughtful care or unease about something, often on another person's behalf. Worry tends to be more anxious, personal, and preoccupying. You can raise a concern calmly, whereas worry suggests a more troubled state of mind.

No. As a noun, concern has other senses. It can mean something that matters to you or is your responsibility — "that's not your concern." It can also mean a business or company, as in "a family concern." Context shows whether it means worry, a responsibility, or an enterprise.

Both involve giving something attention, but the feeling differs. Concern carries worry or care, suggesting that something may be wrong. Interest is neutral curiosity or engagement, with no unease attached. You might take an interest in a topic for pleasure, but express concern when you sense a genuine problem.

Worrying about a friend who has been unwell is concern. So is a parent's unease about a child's safety, or a customer raising concerns about a product's cost. In each case, concern is a feeling of worry or care directed at something that matters to the person.