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

“People are really going to demand that only really sensible projects—that are structured in a way that works for debt markets, with the right cost of capital—actually get built.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Where are the sensible, honorable folks who possess the smarts and the backbone to craft a fair deal?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Maybe in my parents' - obviously they tried to make sure I had a plan B, which is, of course, sensible - but in my head, you know, it was only football.

Read more on BBC

Mineral Resources has removed the timeline for founder Chris Ellison’s departure, instead implementing “a comprehensive and holistic succession strategy” that the analysts reckon is a sensible response to succession risk.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Out on the road, it’s both fun and sensible, with an upgraded seat and backrest, front and rear cargo options, and headlights for visibility.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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