敏感
Someone or something that reacts quickly or easily to small changes, feelings, or physical conditions.
Explanation at your level:
You use sensitive when someone feels things easily. If you are sensitive, you might cry when you see a sad movie. It means you have a big heart!
Being sensitive is good. A sensitive person understands how you feel. Also, some machines are sensitive, like a thermometer that shows small changes in heat.
In English, sensitive describes two things: people who are emotionally aware, and equipment that reacts to tiny changes. For example, 'She is sensitive to criticism' means she feels it deeply. 'This balance is very sensitive' means it measures very small weights.
The word sensitive carries nuance. It can be a compliment, implying empathy, or a critique, implying someone is easily offended. In professional settings, we often talk about 'sensitive information' that must be kept private.
At this level, consider the distinction between sensitive and sensible. While sensitive relates to feelings and reactivity, sensible relates to logic and practicality. Furthermore, 'sensitive' is often used in political or social discourse to describe topics that require careful handling to avoid conflict.
Etymologically, sensitive bridges the gap between biological sensation and intellectual perception. In literary contexts, it describes a character’s 'sensibility'—their capacity for refined emotion and aesthetic appreciation. Mastery of the word involves navigating its usage as both a descriptor of vulnerability and a descriptor of precision in scientific instrumentation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means feeling things easily.
- Describes people and things.
- Root is 'sense'.
- Use 'to' after it.
When you call someone sensitive, you are usually describing their ability to pick up on emotions. It is a beautiful trait that shows empathy and deep awareness of the world.
However, the word has a double life! It also describes things that react to small changes. A sensitive skin cream reacts to your skin, while a sensitive instrument measures tiny shifts in temperature. It is all about being 'tuned in' to what is happening.
The word sensitive comes from the Latin word sentire, which means 'to feel.' This is the same root for words like sensation and sentiment.
It entered Middle English via Old French in the 14th century. Originally, it referred purely to the ability to feel physical sensations. Over time, it evolved to include the emotional depth we associate with it today, highlighting the human capacity for deep connection.
You will often hear this word in phrases like highly sensitive or socially sensitive. It is common in both casual conversations about feelings and technical discussions about equipment.
Be careful with the register! Calling someone 'sensitive' can sometimes sound like a criticism if you mean they are easily offended. Always check the context to ensure you are being kind rather than judgmental.
Touch a raw nerve: To mention a sensitive topic that causes pain. Example: 'Don't mention his job, you'll touch a raw nerve.'
Walk on eggshells: To be extremely careful not to upset a sensitive person. Example: 'He is so sensitive, I feel like I'm walking on eggshells.'
Thin-skinned: Easily offended. Example: 'Don't be so thin-skinned about the critique.'
Read the room: To be sensitive to the mood of a group. Example: 'She really knows how to read the room.'
Wear your heart on your sleeve: To be open about sensitive emotions. Example: 'He wears his heart on his sleeve.'
Sensitive is an adjective. You can make it an adverb by adding '-ly' to get sensitively. The noun form is sensitivity.
Pronunciation: In the US, it is /ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/. The stress is on the first syllable. It rhymes with words like preventive (loosely) and follows a classic three-syllable pattern.
Fun Fact
Related to 'sense'
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 's' sounds.
T sounds like D.
Common Errors
- mispronouncing the middle i
- stressing the wrong syllable
- swallowing the 't'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective usage
She is sensitive.
Examples by Level
She is a sensitive person.
She feels things well.
Adjective usage.
The thermometer is very sensitive.
He is sensitive to cold weather.
She is sensitive to my feelings.
The skin can be sensitive.
Don't be so sensitive!
The camera has a sensitive lens.
They are sensitive to noise.
It is a sensitive issue.
The plant is sensitive to light.
He is sensitive about his height.
We need sensitive equipment for this test.
She has sensitive skin.
The situation is quite sensitive.
They are sensitive to the needs of others.
The sensor is highly sensitive.
Be sensitive when you speak to him.
The company handles sensitive data.
He is a sensitive soul.
The issue is politically sensitive.
She is sensitive to the slightest change in mood.
The microphone is sensitive to background noise.
He is sensitive to the criticism.
They have a sensitive approach to art.
The skin requires sensitive care.
The diplomat navigated the sensitive negotiations.
Her sensitive portrayal of the character was praised.
The equipment is sensitive to magnetic fields.
He has a sensitive ear for music.
The topic is too sensitive to discuss now.
She is sensitive to the nuances of the language.
The sensor is sensitive enough to detect movement.
They maintained a sensitive balance of power.
The poet possessed a highly sensitive nature.
The instrument is sensitive to minute variations.
He displayed a sensitive awareness of the social dynamics.
The matter is of a sensitive nature.
She is sensitive to the slightest hint of irony.
The chemical is sensitive to light exposure.
They have a sensitive appreciation for history.
The situation requires a sensitive touch.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"touch a raw nerve"
upset someone
You touched a raw nerve.
casual""
""
""
""
""
Easily Confused
similar sound
sensible=smart, sensitive=feeling
He is sensible (smart).
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + sensitive + to
I am sensitive to heat.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Sensitive=feeling, Sensible=smart.
Tips
Root word
Think of 'sense'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
SENS-it-ive: Senses are active.
Visual Association
A person with big ears.
Word Web
Challenge
Use it today.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: to feel
Cultural Context
Can be seen as a weakness or a strength.
Often used in therapy contexts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Health
- sensitive skin
- sensitive teeth
Conversation Starters
"Are you a sensitive person?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you were sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, it is a trait.
Test Yourself
He is very ___ to others' feelings.
Correct meaning.
Which means easily affected?
Definition match.
Score: /2
Summary
Sensitive means you are tuned into the world around you.
- Means feeling things easily.
- Describes people and things.
- Root is 'sense'.
- Use 'to' after it.
Root word
Think of 'sense'.
Example
她对噪音很敏感。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
