cares

Caes? No. The term “cares” is primarily the third-person singular present tense form of the verb care, as in “She cares about others.” It can also function as a plural noun in older or more formal usage, meaning concerns or worries, as in “the cares of life weighed on him.” In modern prose, care is usually treated as an uncountable noun referring to the provision of aid or protection, and the plural form cares is relatively uncommon except in specific literary or historical contexts.

Etymology and origins: The word care originates in Old English caru, meaning sorrow, anxiety, or trouble, with cognates in other Germanic languages. Over time, the sense broadened to include concern, attention, and acts of helping or safeguarding. The modern noun care is connected to related terms such as careful, caregiver, and healthcare, reflecting the social and service-oriented dimensions of the concept.

Uses and domains: Care covers a broad range of meanings. As a verb, it denotes feeling concern or providing attention, assistance, or protection: “They care for their elderly neighbors.” As a noun, it can refer to the responsibilities involved in looking after someone or something (child care, elder care, personal care) or to healthcare services (medical care, social care). In certain phrases, care also denotes worries or burdens (“without a care,” “to bear one’s cares”).

See also: care, caregiver, caregiving, healthcare, social care, child care, elder care.