concern
concern
Pronunciation
concern (kənˈsɜːrn / kənˈsɝn)
Here's the breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
con (kən)
k - voiceless velar plosive (like the "k" in "key")
ə - mid central vowel (like the "u" in "but")
n - alveolar nasal (like the "n" in "no")
cern (sɜːrn / sɝn)
s - voiceless alveolar fricative (like the "s" in "sip") - can also be a retroflex approximant (curled "r") in some American accents
ɜː(ɹ) / ɜr - near-back rounded vowel (like the "ur" in "turn") - can also be followed by a rhotic sound (like the "r" in "car") in some American accents
Note:
The pronunciation of the second vowel sound can vary depending on accent.
In Received Pronunciation (British English), it's typically a long "ɜː" (like "turn").
In General American, it can be either a long "ɜː" or a central vowel with a following rhotic sound "ɜr".
Word Form Variations
The word "concern" has several word form variations depending on its part of speech:
Verb (less common):
Present: concerns (3rd person singular), concern (all other persons)
Past: concerned
Present participle: concerning
Past participle: concerned
Noun (most common):
Singular: concern (uncountable, meaning there's no plural form)
You can use phrases like "a concern" or "multiple concerns" to indicate quantity.
Other variations:
Adjective: concerned (e.g., a concerned citizen)
Expressions:
To be of concern (something is worrying)
No cause for concern (nothing to worry about)
To whom it may concern (formal letter salutation)
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun (uncountable):
Definition: A feeling of worry or anxiety about something that is important or could be a problem.
Synonyms: anxiety, apprehension, worry, solicitude, disquiet
Antonyms: indifference, apathy, unconcern, peace of mind
Definition: A matter that is important or relevant to someone or something.
Synonyms: interest, matter, business, affair, issue
Antonyms: irrelevance, insignificance
Verb (less common):
Definition: To relate to or be about something.
Synonyms: pertain to, bear on, be relevant to, deal with
Antonyms: (in this context, there isn't a direct antonym, but you could use phrases like "be irrelevant to")
Definition: To cause someone to feel worried or anxious.
Synonyms: trouble, worry, disquiet, distress
Antonyms: (in this context, there isn't a direct antonym, but you could use phrases like "put at ease")
Adjective (derived from the noun):
Definition: Showing or feeling worry or anxiety about something.
Synonyms: worried, anxious, apprehensive, troubled, disquieted
Antonyms: unconcerned, indifferent, apathetic, untroubled
Expression:
Of concern: Something that is worrying or needs attention.
Examples of Use
Noun:
Environmental concern: "Climate change is a major concern for many people around the world." (News article) [Many news outlets]
Health concern: "The doctor expressed concern about the patient's high blood pressure." (Medical book) [Mayo Clinic - https://www.mayoclinic.org/]
Business concern: "The company is addressing concerns about the new product launch." (Online business publication) [Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/]
Verb (less common):
Relating to a topic: "This chapter concerns the history of the printing press." (Non-fiction book) [Any historical non-fiction book]
Causing worry: "The recent political instability is concerning many citizens." (Social media post) [Twitter, Facebook, etc.]
Adjective:
Feeling worried: "The child looked concerned when their pet went missing." (Movie scene) [Many children's movies]
Showing worry: "The teacher's concerned expression made the student nervous." (Novel) [Many coming-of-age novels]
Expression:
Of concern: "The rise in hate crimes is of great concern to human rights organizations." (Newspaper editorial) [The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/]
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Concern
"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." - Abraham Lincoln (Quote about faith and action)
"Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Concern for man and his fate must always form the chief interest of all technical endeavors." - Albert Einstein (Quote about the importance of ethics in science)
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." - Franklin D. Roosevelt (Quote about overcoming apprehension)
"The price of liberty is eternal vigilance." - Thomas Jefferson (Quote about the importance of being aware of threats)
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt (Quote about hope and optimism)
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller (Quote about the importance of intangible qualities)
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (Quote about self-determination)
"It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." - Edmund Hillary (Quote about overcoming personal challenges)
"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (Quote about finding meaning in life)
"Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." - John D. Rockefeller (Quote about taking risks for bigger rewards)
Etymology
The word "concern" comes from a long journey through languages! It all started with the Latin word "cernere," which meant "to sift" or "to separate." Imagine sifting flour through a mesh – you're separating the fine flour from the larger bits.
In Late Latin, this word morphed a bit into "concernere," which took on a new meaning of "to mix things together for sifting." It's like you're getting ready to sift something, but first you have to combine different things.
Then, French and Medieval Latin picked up this word and changed it again to "concerner." This version started to mean "to relate to" or "to distinguish something." It's like you're sifting through information and figuring out what's relevant.
Finally, around the 14th century, English borrowed "concerner" and turned it into "concern." The meaning shifted again, this time to focus on feelings of worry or importance. It's like something is important enough that you need to sift through your thoughts about it.
So, even though "concern" doesn't directly involve sifting anymore, it reflects the idea of sorting through things that are important or need attention – kind of like sifting through your worries!
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Concern
Expressing Concern:
Be of concern: This means something is worrying or needs attention. (e.g., "The rising cost of living is of great concern to many families.")
Raise concern: To bring up an issue that is worrying you. (e.g., "The employee raised concerns about the safety standards in the factory.")
Voice concern: Similar to raising concern, but emphasizes speaking up about it. (e.g., "The community voiced their concerns about the proposed development project.")
Level of Concern:
No cause for concern: This means there's nothing to worry about. (e.g., "The doctor assured her there was no cause for concern.")
A matter of some concern: This indicates something is a bit worrying, but not a major issue. (e.g., "The student's grades were a matter of some concern to their parents.")
Grave concern: This means there's a serious worry or problem. (e.g., "The scientist expressed grave concern about the potential effects of climate change.")
Other Idioms:
Go with the flow (not concern yourself with things you can't control) (e.g., "Don't worry about things you can't change, just go with the flow.")
None of your concern (something that shouldn't worry you) (e.g., "Their relationship problems are none of your concern.")
Wear your heart on your sleeve (show your emotions openly) (e.g., "She wore her concern for her friend on her sleeve.")
Posts Related to Concern
Source Information
Definition of concern from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
