sensitive

[ sen-si-tiv ]

/ ˈsɛn sɪ tɪv /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR sensitive ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

endowed with sensation; having perception through the senses.

readily or excessively affected by external agencies or influences.

having acute mental or emotional sensibility; aware of and responsive to the feelings of others.

easily pained, annoyed, etc.

pertaining to or connected with the senses or sensation.

Physiology. having a low threshold of sensation or feeling.

responding to stimuli, as leaves that move when touched.

highly responsive to certain agents, as photographic plates, films, or paper.

affected or likely to be affected by a specified stimulus (used in combination): price-sensitive markets.

involving work, duties, or information of a highly secret or delicate nature, especially in government: a sensitive position in the State Department.

requiring tact or caution; delicate; touchy: a sensitive topic.

constructed to indicate, measure, or be affected by small amounts or changes, as a balance or thermometer.

Radio. easily affected by external influences, especially by radio waves.

noun

a person who is sensitive.

a person with psychic powers; medium.

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Origin of sensitive

1350–1400; < Medieval Latin sēnsitīvus, irregular formation on Latin sēns-, past participle stem of sentīre to sense (see -ive); replacing Middle English sensitif(e) < Middle French sensitif, sensitive < Medieval Latin, as above

OTHER WORDS FROM sensitive

sen·si·tive·ly, adverbnon·sen·si·tive, adjectivenon·sen·si·tive·ly, adverbnon·sen·si·tive·ness, noun

ul·tra·sen·si·tive, adjectiveul·tra·sen·si·tive·ly, adverbun·sen·si·tive, adjectiveun·sen·si·tive·ly, adverbun·sen·si·tive·ness, noun

Words nearby sensitive

sensibility, sensible, sensible horizon, sensible perspiration, sensillum, sensitive, sensitive fern, sensitive plant, sensitiveness, sensitivity, sensitivity group

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for sensitive

And the Gävle Goat, apparently a sensitive creature, took the destruction hard.
Sweden’s Burning Christmas Goat|Nina Strochlic|December 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The expo is introduced by Mayor Anne Hildalgo, who describes it as a “sensitive reading of the upheavals in French society.”
A History of Paris in 150 Photographs|Sarah Moroz|December 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But they are also sensitive to pressure and attention from the West.
The Straight Hero of Cameroon’s Gays|Jay Michaelson|December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
On the show, we had to find a way to navigate that in a sensitive way.
Natalie Dormer Talks ‘Hunger Games,’ Feminism, and Why ‘Game of Thrones’ Needs More Dick|Marlow Stern|November 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Sensitive subjects are met with a short burst of laughter, and serious answers are sandwiched between a piercing gaze.
A Belgian Prince, Gorillas, Guerrillas & the Future of the Congo|Nina Strochlic|November 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
By her own personal strength her twelve children were brought forth, and her own sensitive fibres and tissues felt the suffering.
What a Young Husband Ought to Know|Sylvanus Stall
But I may become so sensitive to the Spirit's thoughts and presence, that I shall know more keenly and quickly what to pray for.
Quiet Talks on Prayer|S. D. (Samuel Dickey) Gordon
The shoulders are the thermometer of the sensitive and passional life.
Delsarte System of Oratory|Various
Make me sensitive to the unseen influences that bring thy messages.
Leaves of Life|Margaret Bird Steinmetz
However, I'm not sensitive or resentful, so I'll give you good advice on your way.
The Road to Damascus|August Strindberg

British Dictionary definitions for sensitive

sensitive

/ (ˈsɛnsɪtɪv) /

adjective

having the power of sensation

responsive to or aware of feelings, moods, reactions, etc

easily irritated; delicatesensitive skin

affected by external conditions or stimuli

easily offended

of or relating to the senses or the power of sensation

capable of registering small differences or changes in amounts, quality, etca sensitive instrument

photog having a high sensitivitya sensitive emulsion

connected with matters affecting national security, esp through access to classified information

(of a stock market or prices) quickly responsive to external influences and thus fluctuating or tending to fluctuate

Derived forms of sensitive

sensitively, adverbsensitiveness, noun

Word Origin for sensitive

C14: from Medieval Latin sēnsitīvus, from Latin sentīre to feel

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for sensitive

sensitive

[ sĕn′sĭ-tĭv ]

adj.

Capable of perceiving with a sense or senses.

Responsive to a stimulus.

Susceptible to the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others.

Easily irritated or inflamed, especially due to previous exposure to an antigen.

Relating to, or characterizing a sensitized antigen.

sensitive

adjective

noun

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Origin of sensitive

OTHER WORDS FROM sensitive

Words nearby sensitive

Words related to sensitive

Example sentences from the Web for sensitive

British Dictionary definitions for sensitive

adjective

Derived forms of sensitive

Word Origin for sensitive

Medical definitions for sensitive

adj.