concern: [15] In earliest use, English concern meant ‘distinguish, discern’. This was a reflection of its ultimate source, Latin cernere ‘sift, separate’. In combination with the prefix com- ‘together’ it produced concernere, which in classical times meant specifically ‘mix together preparatory to sifting’. Later, however, the prefix seems to have taken on a more intensive role, with concernere reverting to the same range of senses as cernere.
By the Middle Ages these not only included ‘discern, perceive’ and ‘decide’ (whence English certain, from the past participle of cernere), but had widened considerably to ‘relate to’ – a meaning which emerged in English concern in the 16th century. Connotations of distress or worry began to develop in the late 17th century. => certain, discern
concern (v.)
early 15c., "perceive, distinguish," also "refer to, relate to," from Middle French concerner, from Medieval Latin concernere "concern, touch, belong to," figurative use of Late Latin concernere "to sift, mix, as in a sieve," from Latin com- "with" (see com-) + cernere "to sift," hence "perceive, comprehend" (see crisis). Apparently the sense of the prefix shifted to intensive in Medieval Latin. Meaning "worry" is 17c. Related: Concerned; concerning. Letter opening to whom it may concern attested by 1740.
concern (n.)
1580s, from concern (v.).
双语例句
1. Issues such as these were not really his concern.
他其实并不关心诸如此类的问题。
来自柯林斯例句
2. A good relationship involves concern and sensitivity for each other's feelings.
一段美满的恋情需要彼此关心并体恤对方的情感。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The technical aspects were the concern of the Army.
技术方面由陆军负责。
来自柯林斯例句
4. Today's organic wine producer is typically a small, quality-conscious family concern.
现今的有机葡萄酒生产商一般是注重品质的小型家族企业.
来自柯林斯例句
5. Leo went on, his dark eyes wide with pity and concern.