care
UK: keə | US: ker
n. 1. The provision of attention or support for someone or something.
n. 2. A feeling of concern or interest.
vt. 1. To feel concern or interest.
vi. 2. To look after or provide for someone or something.
The word "care" originates from the Old English caru or cearu, meaning "sorrow, anxiety, or burden." Over time, its meaning broadened to encompass the modern senses of concern, attention, and guardianship. The silent "e" in Modern English is a vestige of Old English inflectional endings. The evolution reflects a shift from emotional weight (sorrow) to proactive responsibility (providing attention).
She takes great care of her elderly parents.
He didn’t care about the consequences.
Handle the fragile items with care.
Her face showed deep care for the injured animal.
The nurse’s primary duty is patient care.