sensitivity
Sensitivity is the ability to feel things deeply or to notice small changes.
Explanation at your level:
Sensitivity means you feel things. If you have sensitivity to cold, you feel cold very fast. It is a good word for describing how people or machines work.
Sensitivity is when you are careful about other people's feelings. It also means a machine can see small changes. For example, a camera has high sensitivity in the dark.
Use sensitivity to describe how someone reacts to the world. It is common to talk about 'cultural sensitivity' when traveling. It shows you are aware of how others feel.
In B2, we look at nuance. Sensitivity can be a strength, like being empathetic, or a technical requirement, like the sensitivity of a medical test. It is about the degree of response.
At the C1 level, sensitivity is often used in abstract contexts. We discuss the sensitivity of data in security or the sensitivity of an argument to changing economic factors. It implies a high level of precision and awareness.
Mastering sensitivity involves understanding its role in philosophy and ethics. It describes the capacity for 'sentience' and the subtle interplay between an observer and the observed. It is a cornerstone of sophisticated discourse.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- Sensitivity is the capacity to feel or respond.
- It applies to both emotions and physical systems.
- It is a highly valued trait in social interactions.
- It is a key term in science and technology.
Hey there! Let's talk about sensitivity. At its heart, this word is all about awareness. Think of it as a dial on a radio; when the sensitivity is high, you pick up even the faintest signals.
In people, sensitivity means you are tuned into emotions. You might notice when a friend is sad before they even say a word. It is a beautiful trait that shows empathy and care.
In science, sensitivity is about precision. If a thermometer has high sensitivity, it can detect a tiny change in temperature that a regular one might miss. It is all about being responsive!
The word sensitivity comes from the Latin word sentire, which means 'to feel' or 'to perceive.' This is the same root we find in words like sensation and sense.
Over centuries, it evolved through Old French into Middle English. Originally, it was used to describe the physical ability to feel pain or touch. By the 17th century, the meaning expanded to include emotional depth.
It is fascinating how a word that started as a basic biological function for 'feeling' grew to describe the complex, nuanced emotional world we live in today. It shows how much humans value our connection to the world around us.
You will hear sensitivity used in many ways. In a professional setting, we often talk about cultural sensitivity, which means being respectful of different traditions.
In casual conversation, you might say someone has high sensitivity to criticism. It is a neutral word, but context matters! Always check if you are describing a technical feature or a personality trait.
Common pairings include sensitivity to light, price sensitivity, and emotional sensitivity. Use it whenever you want to highlight that something is 'tuned in' or 'reacting' to its environment.
While 'sensitivity' itself isn't always in an idiom, it relates to many: 1. Wear your heart on your sleeve (showing sensitivity openly). 2. Thin-skinned (lacking sensitivity to criticism). 3. Touch a nerve (triggering a sensitive reaction). 4. Walking on eggshells (being extremely sensitive to someone's mood). 5. Read the room (using social sensitivity to judge a situation).
Sensitivity is an uncountable noun in most contexts, but you can say 'sensitivities' when referring to multiple specific issues or emotional triggers.
Pronunciation: In the UK, it is /ˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪti/, and in the US, it is similar but often with a 'flapped' t sound. Stress the third syllable: sen-si-TIV-i-ty.
It rhymes with creativity, activity, and productivity. Remember that it is a noun, so you usually pair it with verbs like 'show,' 'have,' or 'increase.'
Fun Fact
The root 'sentire' is also the source of the word 'sentiment'.
Examples by Level
He has sensitivity to the cold.
He feels cold easily.
Noun usage.
The cat has sensitivity to sound.
The cat hears well.
Noun usage.
She has great sensitivity.
She is kind.
Simple sentence.
The machine has sensitivity.
It works well.
Technical usage.
He shows sensitivity.
He is caring.
Verb+noun.
The skin has sensitivity.
It feels touch.
Biological.
I have sensitivity to light.
Light hurts my eyes.
Common phrase.
Sensitivity is important.
It matters.
Subject usage.
She shows sensitivity to others.
The test has high sensitivity.
He has tooth sensitivity.
Cultural sensitivity is a must.
The camera has good sensitivity.
She has emotional sensitivity.
The device lacks sensitivity.
He learned about sensitivity.
The sensor has a high level of sensitivity.
We need more sensitivity in our discussions.
His sensitivity to criticism is well known.
The film has a high sensitivity to light.
She approached the topic with great sensitivity.
Price sensitivity is a major factor here.
The instrument's sensitivity was adjusted.
They showed sensitivity to the local customs.
The political sensitivity of the issue cannot be ignored.
Her sensitivity to the nuances of the language is impressive.
We must treat this data with extreme sensitivity.
The sensitivity of the microphone was perfect.
He has a heightened sensitivity to injustice.
The study examines the sensitivity of the ecosystem.
She handled the situation with remarkable sensitivity.
Sensitivity to market trends is vital for success.
The inherent sensitivity of the system makes it prone to errors.
His work displays a profound sensitivity to the human condition.
The sensitivity of the results to initial conditions is notable.
We must maintain sensitivity to the diverse needs of the group.
The artist's sensitivity to color creates a unique atmosphere.
There is a growing sensitivity to environmental issues.
The sensitivity of the sensor allows for precise measurements.
She navigated the diplomatic landscape with great sensitivity.
The sensitivity of the instrument is calibrated to the nanometer.
His writing is marked by a rare sensitivity to the unspoken.
The sociological sensitivity of the research is commendable.
We are dealing with a matter of extreme sensitivity.
The sensitivity of the organism to toxins is being studied.
She possesses an aesthetic sensitivity that is truly unique.
The sensitivity of the data requires strict encryption.
His sensitivity to the shifting political winds saved his career.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"thin-skinned"
easily offended
Don't be so thin-skinned about the feedback.
casual"touch a nerve"
mentioning something that causes a sensitive reaction
I think I touched a nerve when I asked about his job.
neutral"walk on eggshells"
being very careful around someone sensitive
I feel like I'm walking on eggshells around him.
casual"read the room"
understanding the mood of a group
He failed to read the room and told a bad joke.
neutral"wear your heart on your sleeve"
showing your emotions openly
She wears her heart on her sleeve.
neutral"soft spot"
having a special feeling for someone
I have a soft spot for stray cats.
casualEasily Confused
similar root
sensible = practical; sensitive = feeling
She made a sensible choice.
similar root
sensation = the feeling; sensitivity = the capacity
I had a strange sensation.
similar root
sentimental = overly emotional
He is sentimental about his toys.
similar root
sensory = related to senses
Sensory input is important.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + has + sensitivity + to + noun
He has sensitivity to light.
Show + sensitivity + to + noun
Show sensitivity to their needs.
The + sensitivity + of + noun + is + adj
The sensitivity of the test is high.
Treat + noun + with + sensitivity
Treat the issue with sensitivity.
Heightened + sensitivity + to + noun
Heightened sensitivity to noise is common.
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Verwandt
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
Sensible means practical; sensitive means feeling.
Sensitivity is often a positive trait.
Use 'the' when referring to a specific sensitivity.
Sensation is the feeling itself; sensitivity is the capacity to feel.
Sensitivity is the noun; sensitive is the adjective.
Tips
Memory Palace
Place a sensitive instrument in your room.
Professionalism
Always use it when discussing diverse teams.
Global Context
It's a key word in modern HR.
Noun vs Adjective
Sensitivity (noun) vs Sensitive (adj).
The T sound
Don't skip the middle T.
Don't say 'sensible'
Sensible means practical, not feeling.
Root words
It shares a root with 'sense'.
Flashcards
Use it in sentences about your own life.
Formal Writing
Use it to describe precision.
Empathy
Use it to show you care.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
SEN-si-TIV-ity: Senses are TIV (active) in the city.
Visual Association
A person with a dial on their chest turning it up to hear better.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Describe three things you are sensitive to.
Wortherkunft
Latin
Original meaning: To feel or perceive
Kultureller Kontext
Highly valued in modern communication.
Commonly used in HR and professional settings regarding 'diversity and sensitivity'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- cultural sensitivity
- handle with sensitivity
- professional sensitivity
in science
- high sensitivity
- sensor sensitivity
- calibrate sensitivity
in relationships
- emotional sensitivity
- show sensitivity
- lack of sensitivity
in health
- tooth sensitivity
- sensitivity to light
- skin sensitivity
Conversation Starters
"How do you define sensitivity in a friend?"
"Do you think sensitivity is a strength or a weakness?"
"Can you think of a situation that requires cultural sensitivity?"
"Why is sensitivity important in scientific research?"
"How do you handle someone who is very sensitive?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you showed sensitivity to someone.
Describe a situation where you needed to be more sensitive.
How does sensitivity affect your daily life?
Is it possible to be too sensitive? Explain.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 FragenIt depends! It is good for empathy but can be difficult if you are easily overwhelmed.
Yes, it is very common in science.
Sen-si-TIV-i-ty.
No, sense is the ability; sensitivity is the degree of that ability.
Being respectful of other cultures.
Yes, when talking about multiple issues.
It is used in both formal and daily life.
Sensitize.
Teste dich selbst
She has great ___ to the needs of others.
Sensitivity is the noun needed here.
Which word is the adjective form?
Sensitive is the adjective.
Sensitivity is always a negative trait.
It is often a positive trait.
Word
Bedeutung
Matching definitions.
Correct structure.
Ergebnis: /5
Summary
Sensitivity is the art of being tuned in to the world, whether through the heart or through precise measurement.
- Sensitivity is the capacity to feel or respond.
- It applies to both emotions and physical systems.
- It is a highly valued trait in social interactions.
- It is a key term in science and technology.
Memory Palace
Place a sensitive instrument in your room.
Professionalism
Always use it when discussing diverse teams.
Global Context
It's a key word in modern HR.
Noun vs Adjective
Sensitivity (noun) vs Sensitive (adj).
Related Content
In Videos ansehen
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Pronunciation Guide
Clear and crisp T sounds.
Often sounds like 'sen-si-div-i-dee'.
Common Errors
- Misplacing the stress
- Pronouncing the 'ti' as 'sh'
- Dropping the 'i' sounds
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Accessible for most learners.
Easy to incorporate.
Commonly used.
Clear pronunciation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Abstract Nouns
Sensitivity is an abstract noun.
Noun Suffixes
-ity suffix.
Uncountable Nouns
Sensitivity is usually uncountable.
