concern

 
Pronunciation: /kənˈsəːn/

verb

[with object]
  • 1relate to; be about: the story concerns a friend of mine the report is mainly concerned with 1984 onwards
  • be relevant or important to; affect or involve: she was prying into that which did not concern her many thanks to all concerned
  • (concern oneself with) interest or involve oneself in: it is not necessary for us to concern ourselves with this point
  • (be concerned in) formal have a specific connection with or responsibility for: those concerned in industry, academia, and government
  • (be concerned with/to do something) regard it as important to do something: I was mainly concerned with making something that children could enjoy
  • 2make (someone) anxious or worried: the roof of the barn concerns me because eventually it will fall in don’t concern yourself, old boy—my lips are sealed

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] anxiety; worry: Carole gazed at her with concern
  • [count noun] a cause of anxiety or worry: environmental concerns
  • 2a matter of interest or importance to someone: housing is the concern of the Housing Executive [mass noun]: the prospect should be of concern to us all
  • 3a business: the town’s only travel agent was a small, debt-ridden concern
  • 4 informal, dated a complicated or awkward object.

Phrases

as (or so) far as —— is concerned

as regards the interests or case of ——: the measures are irrelevant as far as inflation is concerned

have no concern with

formal have nothing to do with: drama seemed to have no concern with ‘truth’ at all

to whom it may concern

used at the beginning of a letter, notice, or testimonial when the identity of the reader or readers is unknown.

Origin:

late Middle English: from French concerner or late Latin concernere (in medieval Latin 'be relevant to'), from con- (expressing intensive force) + cernere 'sift, discern'