sensible

[sen-suh-buhl]

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.

sensible

/ 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

noun

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensible¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensible¹

C14: from Old French, from Late Latin sēnsibilis, from Latin sentīre to sense

Synonym Study

See practical.

Example Sentences

"It hardly seems sensible for girls to want to take part in this particularly brutal contact sport," wrote celebrated journalist Jack McLean.

From BBC

From the moment their son died, the Olivers have refused to give up on their fight for sensible gun reform in America — no matter who is in power.

From Los Angeles Times

He has been criticised in the past for choosing the glamour shot over the sensible option.

From BBC

Bolling, saying something sensible for the first, and perhaps last, time in his life, observed, “He can prove it’s a hoax by releasing it!”

From Salon

"This seems like sensible business and aligns with the bank's quiet push to offshore more roles, aiming to hire 4,000 people in its India tech hub by year-end," he added.

From BBC

Related Words

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