Cared

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /kɛɹd/

Definitions

1. Displayed concern or interest in someone or something ; managed or looked after a person, animal, or thing by providing attention or support
2. Expressed worry or kindness toward a person, animal, or situation ; took responsibility for maintaining or protecting someone or something
3. Demonstrated emotional involvement or regard for the wellbeing of others ; offered practical help or supervision to ensure proper upkeep or safety

Etymology: "Cared" is the past tense of the verb "care," and the verb's story runs far from the sense of showing concern. Its Old English ancestor "carian" originally meant to sorrow, grieve, or be troubled and anxious. Those emotions of grief and worry gradually softened into the modern sense of being attentive or concerned about someone or something, so the verb began as a word about suffering rather than kindness. The noun behind it shows the same drift. Old English "caru" and "ceariu" meant care in the sense of anxiety, sorrow, grief, or trouble, and the Proto-Germanic root carried ideas of lament and even a cry. Its relatives in other languages keep the older feeling alive: Middle High German "kar" meant sorrow or lamentation, and Icelandic "kör" meant a sickbed.

Synonyms: concerned, loved, cherished

Antonyms: neglected, ignored