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

• sensibly adverb
• sensibleness noun
• 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 was sensible to remove those, but it was especially bizarre to introduce charges on foodstuffs not even produced in the U.S. in the first place.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I would argue that it may be sensible to hold off for now,” Morrison wrote.

Read more on MarketWatch

On whether ChatGPT picked the best plan, Mantell said the analysis was sensible if the right plans were included.

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Some of the students are seeking careers as actors, among other entertainment-related pursuits, making the minor a sensible specialization.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

His embrace of the soon-to-be mayor can most likely be ascribed to a sensible desire to get off on the right foot with the boss of America’s largest city.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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