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 by of ):

   sensible of his fault.

   Synonyms: conscious, observant, understanding

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. See leading note
   Also calledsensible note a less common term for leading note

Derived Forms

• ˈsensibleness, noun
• ˈsensibly, adverb

Other Words From

• sensi·ble·ness noun
• sensi·bly adverb
• non·sensi·ble adjective
• non·sensi·ble·ness noun
• non·sensi·bly adverb
• over·sensi·ble adjective
• over·sensi·ble·ness noun
• over·sensi·bly adverb
• un·sensi·ble adjective
• un·sensi·ble·ness noun
• un·sensi·bly 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

That second opinion should give the city more sensible recommendations on how to safely and quickly ready the building for full occupancy, for far less than the $115 million Kitchell recommends spending.

From Voice of San Diego

He immediately created a sensible plan to combat the coronavirus, developing a national testing strategy and calling for a universal mask mandate.

From Fortune

I guess it’s one measure of how successful, and dominant, the political duopoly is that plenty of seemingly sensible people have plenty of seemingly sensible reform ideas that, for the most part, gain very little traction.

From Freakonomics

It might seem sensible to assume that a lower starting temperature would provide an insurmountable head start.

From Science News

Pandemics happen because of lack of governance, sensible public health interventions and surveillance.

From Science News

And in an environment where time is money, hooking up with an escort just might be the sensible thing to do.

From The Daily Beast

Some will be avoiding New Year festivities entirely—and very sensible folk they are too.

From The Daily Beast

“These days we all have to be a bit more sensible,” says Sitwell.

From The Daily Beast

In The Sense of Style, Steven Pinker settles a war among the scolds with a sensible approach to usage.

From The Daily Beast

The White House just launched a major initiative to implement a more modern, sensible drug policy.

From The Daily Beast

That was a considerable sensible commandment of yourn, always to shoot the foremost of the Mexicans when they attacked.

From Project Gutenberg

By its operation Gordon Wright, the most sensible man of our acquaintance, is reduced to the level of infancy!

From Project Gutenberg

But here in this little valley of the Kaw, he was cheered to see his race on a practical and sensible basis.

From Project Gutenberg

When Tim hesitates he loses his temper as a sensible man should lose it—he buries it, and his indomitable good humor wins.

From Project Gutenberg

She was far too sensible for ingratitude, and fully appreciated the gifts that life had so liberally dealt her.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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