sensible

American  

[sen-suh-buhl] / ˈsɛn sə bəl /

adjective

1. having, using, or showing good sense or sound judgment.

   a sensible young woman.

   Synonyms:

   reasonable, rational, sagacious, intelligent

   Antonyms:

   stupid

2. cognizant; keenly aware (usually followed byof ).

   sensible of his fault.

   Synonyms:

   observant, understanding, conscious

3. significant in quantity, magnitude, etc.; considerable; appreciable.

   a sensible reduction in price.

4. capable of being perceived by the senses; material.

   the sensible universe.

   Synonyms:

   palpable, discernible, perceptible

5. capable of feeling or perceiving, as organs or parts of the body.

6. perceptible to the mind.

7. conscious.

   The patient was speechless but still sensible.

8. Archaic. sensitive.

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sensible British  

/ ˈsɛnsɪbəl /

adjective

1. having or showing good sense or judgment

   a sensible decision

2. (of clothing) serviceable; practical

   sensible shoes

3. having the capacity for sensation; sensitive

4. capable of being apprehended by the senses

5. perceptible to the mind

6. (sometimes foll by of) having perception; aware

   sensible of your kindness

7. readily perceived; considerable

   a sensible difference

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noun

1. Also called: sensible note.  a less common term for leading note

Related Words

See practical.

Other Word Forms

• nonsensible adjective
• nonsensibleness noun
• nonsensibly adverb
• oversensible adjective
• oversensibleness noun
• oversensibly adverb
• sensibleness noun
• sensibly adverb
• unsensible adjective
• unsensibleness noun
• unsensibly adverb

Etymology

Origin of sensible

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin sēnsibilis; equivalent to sense + -ible

Explanation

Sensible means practical and reasonable. If you're wearing sensible shoes, they're sturdy, comfortable, good for walking, and your feet don't hurt. If you're a sensible person, you're level-headed and calm, and you make wise decisions. Sensible may not sound exciting — who wants to be like a pair of galoshes, when you can be stilettos? But sensible is the voice of reason, and when you're tooling along in your convertible, you'll be grateful for the sensible 15-mile-per-hour speed limit posted at that sharp turn where the road drops off into the canyon. Sensible comes from the Latin sensibilis, meaning "perceptible by the senses," a meaning that eventually evolved into "having good sense, reasonable."

Example Sentences

“The Madison” is Sheridan’s way of proving he understands that women can also, on occasion, be normal, grounded and sensible humans.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

I suspect a majority of the justices will be sensible enough to overturn him here as well.

From Slate • Mar. 21, 2026

As for Leigh, he said he has always been prepared for emergencies, but considers that just being sensible.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

For retirement portfolios that grow over 30 or 40 years, then pay out for another 20 or 30, some private credit seems sensible.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

“Tara was always the rational, sensible one,” she says.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Related Words

• astute
• down-to-earth
• intelligent
• judicious
• logical
• practical
• prudent
• rational
• sane
• shrewd
• sober
• wise