In 15 Seconds
- Describes an idea that is clearly logical and full of common sense.
- Used to agree with a practical plan or a rational thought.
- Combines 'obviously' and 'sensible' to show strong, reasoned agreement.
Meaning
This phrase describes an idea or action that is so logical and practical that it seems undeniable. Use it when someone suggests a solution that makes perfect sense to everyone involved.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
Votre stratégie de réduction des coûts est évidemment sensée.
Your cost-reduction strategy is obviously sensible.
Planning a trip with a friend
Prendre le train plutôt que la voiture est évidemment sensé.
Taking the train instead of the car is obviously sensible.
Texting a partner about chores
C'est évidemment sensé de faire les courses avant la tempête.
It's obviously sensible to do the shopping before the storm.
Cultural Background
In France, 'le bon sens' is often invoked in political speeches to appeal to the 'average' rational citizen. It's a way of saying 'this isn't ideology, it's just logic'. In Quebec, while 'sensé' is used, you might also hear 'ça fait du sens', which is a calque from the English 'it makes sense'. Purists prefer 'c'est sensé' or 'ça a du sens'. In many West African countries, formal French is highly valued in administration. 'Évidemment sensé' is a hallmark of a well-educated professional or orator. Belgian French uses 'sensé' similarly to France, but there is a strong emphasis on 'pragmatisme belge'. A solution that is 'évidemment sensé' is one that is practical and avoids conflict.
The 'S' Rule
Always check the spelling. If you are talking about 'Sense', use the 'S'. This will make you look more literate than many native speakers.
Don't Overuse
If you say 'évidemment sensé' for every little thing, you will sound like a robot or a corporate manual. Save it for real logic.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes an idea that is clearly logical and full of common sense.
- Used to agree with a practical plan or a rational thought.
- Combines 'obviously' and 'sensible' to show strong, reasoned agreement.
What It Means
Évidemment sensé is the ultimate stamp of approval for logic. It combines the adverb évidemment (obviously) with the adjective sensé (sensible or logical). When you use this, you are saying that a thought or plan aligns perfectly with common sense. It is that 'aha!' moment when the best path forward becomes clear to everyone. It is not just a good idea; it is the most rational one.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this phrase to qualify a proposal or a decision. It acts as an adjective phrase. You can say 'C'est évidemment sensé' to agree with someone. You can also place it after a noun, like 'une approche évidemment sensée'. It is very flexible. It fits into sentences just like 'totally logical' would in English. Just remember to match the gender if you are describing a feminine noun: évidemment sensée.
When To Use It
Use it during a brainstorming session at work. It shows you value efficiency. Use it with friends when planning a trip. If someone suggests leaving early to avoid traffic, that is évidemment sensé. It is great for confirming you are on the same page. It also works well when you are analyzing a situation and want to sound grounded and rational.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in highly emotional or romantic contexts. If someone is crying, telling them their feelings are évidemment sensés sounds a bit cold. It is too clinical for art or abstract poetry. Also, do not use it if there is any doubt. If the idea is risky, calling it 'obviously sensible' might sound sarcastic. Use it for things that follow clear, practical rules.
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on 'le bon sens' (common sense). This stems from a long history of Cartesian logic and rationalism. Being called sensé is a high compliment in a professional setting. It means you are a person of reason. The French appreciate clarity and 'la cohérence'. This phrase captures that cultural love for things that just 'click' logically.
Common Variations
You might hear parfaitement sensé for 'perfectly sensible'. Another common one is tout à fait logique. If you want to be more casual, you might just say c'est logique. However, adding évidemment adds a layer of 'of course' that makes you sound more certain. It reinforces your agreement with the other person's intelligence.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very safe to use in 90% of situations. Just be careful with the spelling (sensé vs censé) in written French, as it is a very common mistake even for native speakers.
The 'S' Rule
Always check the spelling. If you are talking about 'Sense', use the 'S'. This will make you look more literate than many native speakers.
Don't Overuse
If you say 'évidemment sensé' for every little thing, you will sound like a robot or a corporate manual. Save it for real logic.
The Cartesian Compliment
In France, calling someone 'une personne sensée' is a sign of deep respect for their mind.
Examples
6Votre stratégie de réduction des coûts est évidemment sensée.
Your cost-reduction strategy is obviously sensible.
Professional way to agree with a colleague's logic.
Prendre le train plutôt que la voiture est évidemment sensé.
Taking the train instead of the car is obviously sensible.
Focuses on the practical benefits of the choice.
C'est évidemment sensé de faire les courses avant la tempête.
It's obviously sensible to do the shopping before the storm.
Short and direct agreement via text.
Vouloir dormir 12 heures par jour est évidemment sensé, mais impossible !
Wanting to sleep 12 hours a day is obviously sensible, but impossible!
Using logic to joke about an unrealistic desire.
Économiser un peu chaque mois est une démarche évidemment sensée.
Saving a little each month is an obviously sensible approach.
Encouraging and rational advice.
Ta décision de partir est évidemment sensée, même si elle est triste.
Your decision to leave is obviously sensible, even if it is sad.
Acknowledging logic in an emotional moment.
Test Yourself
Choisissez la forme correcte pour compléter la phrase.
Sa proposition de réduire les déchets est évidemment _______.
'Proposition' is feminine singular, so we need 'sensée'. 'Censée' means 'supposed to', which doesn't fit here.
Complétez avec 'sensé' ou 'censé'.
Il est _______ de vérifier ses freins avant un long voyage.
It is 'sensible' (logical) to check brakes, not 'supposed to'.
Associez la situation à la réaction la plus appropriée.
Situation: Un collègue suggère de prendre des notes pendant la réunion pour ne rien oublier.
Taking notes is a logical and sensible action in a meeting.
Complétez le dialogue avec la phrase correcte.
A: Je pense qu'on devrait demander l'avis d'un expert. B: ________, nous ne pouvons pas décider seuls.
The speaker is agreeing that the idea is logical.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Sensé vs Censé
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSa proposition de réduire les déchets est évidemment _______.
'Proposition' is feminine singular, so we need 'sensée'. 'Censée' means 'supposed to', which doesn't fit here.
Il est _______ de vérifier ses freins avant un long voyage.
It is 'sensible' (logical) to check brakes, not 'supposed to'.
Situation: Un collègue suggère de prendre des notes pendant la réunion pour ne rien oublier.
Taking notes is a logical and sensible action in a meeting.
A: Je pense qu'on devrait demander l'avis d'un expert. B: ________, nous ne pouvons pas décider seuls.
The speaker is agreeing that the idea is logical.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'une personne sensée' is very common and means a sensible person.
Close, but 'it makes sense' is usually 'ça a du sens'. 'Évidemment sensé' is more like 'obviously sensible'.
A little bit. With friends, 'C'est logique' is more natural.
Open your mouth slightly and let the air go through your nose. It's the same sound as in 'maman'.
The opposite is 'totalement insensé' (totally senseless/crazy).
Yes, but in some contexts, it can also mean 'of course' as a standalone answer.
Yes, but 'évidemment sensé' is a stronger, more common collocation.
Because it requires distinguishing between 'sensé' and 'censé' and using adverbs to nuance adjectives in formal speech.
Yes, but they also use 'ça fait du sens' due to English influence.
Only if you want to sound like a lawyer. It's very clinical.
Related Phrases
avoir du bon sens
similarTo have common sense
tomber sous le sens
synonymTo be obvious
être à côté de la plaque
contrastTo be completely wrong/off-track
judicieux
specialized formJudicious/wise
cohérent
builds onCoherent/consistent
