concern

Definitions

con- (together) + cern (sift) = to sift together, to mix in. Whatever is mixed into your affairs "concerns" you. The meaning slid from "relate to" (this concerns you) to "matter to" (a matter of concern) to "worry" (I'm concerned) — three senses from one sieve.

Why It Means This

How does one word mean both "relate to" and "worry"? The link is involvement. When something is mixed into your life, it first simply involves you; then, because the things that involve us most are the ones we care about, it comes to matter; and the things that matter are the ones we worry about. So concern travels from neutral connection to emotional weight.

Common Collocations

• 1.a cause for concern令人担忧之事
• 2.express concern表示关切
• 3.of concern值得关注的
• 4.concern about对……担忧
• 5.to whom it may concern敬启者（致相关人士）

Example Sentences

• 1.

  This decision concerns everyone who works in the building.

• 2.

  The report concerns the safety of the new bridge.

• 3.

  It really concerns me that she hasn't called back.

• 4.

  Rising prices are a growing concern for many families.

• 5.

  Your health should be your first concern.