sensibility

American  

[sen-suh-bil-i-tee] / ˌsɛn səˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

sensibilities

1. capacity for sensation or feeling; responsiveness or susceptibility to sensory stimuli.

2. mental susceptibility or responsiveness; quickness and acuteness of apprehension or feeling.

   Synonyms:

   awareness, alertness

3. keen consciousness or appreciation.

4. sensibilities, emotional capacities.

5. Sometimes sensibilities. liability to feel hurt or offended; sensitive feelings.

6. Often sensibilities. capacity for intellectual and aesthetic distinctions, feelings, tastes, etc..

   a man of refined sensibilities.

7. the property, as in plants or instruments, of being readily affected by external influences.

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sensibility British  

/ ˌsɛnsɪˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the ability to perceive or feel

2. (often plural) the capacity for responding to emotion, impression, etc

3. (often plural) the capacity for responding to aesthetic stimuli

4. mental responsiveness; discernment; awareness

5. (usually plural) emotional or moral feelings

   cruelty offends most people's sensibilities

6. the condition of a plant of being susceptible to external influences, esp attack by parasites

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Related Words

Sensibility, susceptibility, sensitiveness, sensitivity refer to capacity to respond to or be affected by something. Sensibility is, particularly, capacity to respond to aesthetic and emotional stimuli: the sensibility of the artist. Susceptibility is the state or quality of being impressionable and responsive, especially to emotional stimuli; in the plural it has much the same meaning as sensibility : a person of keen susceptibilities. Sensitiveness is the state or quality of being sensitive, of having a capacity of sensation and of responding to external stimuli: sensitiveness to light. Sensitivity is a special capability of being sensitive to physiological, chemical action or a tendency to be easily affected by the adverse reactions of others: the sensitivity of a nerve; sensitivity to criticism.

Other Word Forms

• hypersensibility noun
• nonsensibility noun
• unsensibility noun

Etymology

Origin of sensibility

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English sensibilite, from Middle French, from Late Latin sēnsibilitās. See sensible, -ity

Explanation

Sensibility is your ability to feel or be aware of something. Your artistic sensibility might allow you to understand even the most complex work of art. Sensibility often refers to your ability to respond to emotions or to appreciate artistic works — things that you sense rather than analyze logically. Your poetic sensibility might allow you to choose exactly the right word to create a particular tone when you’re writing. Sensibility can also refer to your sensitivity to good or bad impressions — it’s sort of like your feelings. Used in this way, the word is often plural. Your brother’s thoughtless remarks may offend your sensibilities.

Example Sentences

Yet in this dense marketplace of ideas, identities and impulse buys, a shared sensibility quickly comes into focus.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

“Kim’s Convenience” has an eager-to-please TV sensibility that can seem formulaic at times.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Roan’s lipstick gone “awry” on her teeth brings a camp sensibility to both mock and celebrate feminine performance that resists traditional heteronormative constructs.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

When you see him directing, you see that he has the sensibility and psychological intelligence of a good director.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

“I see a Chagall sensibility with a Gauguin palette, but the point of view seems wholly your own at the same time. And you’re so young. It’s extraordinary, Noah. Just extraordinary.”

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

Related Words

• affection
• emotion
• feeling
• insight
• sense
• sensitivity
• sentiment
• taste