Sensibility
ˌsɛnsəˈbɪlɪti
Definitions
3 meaningsThe ability to appreciate and respond to emotions, aesthetics, or other subtle influences.
ˌsɛnsəˈbɪlɪti
The ability to appreciate and respond to complex emotional or aesthetic influences.
His sensibility for music led him to compose beautiful melodies.
💡 Simply: It's like having a good 'feeling radar' for emotions, art, or what's considered appropriate in a situation. For example, someone with a high sensibility can tell when a painting is beautiful or when someone is feeling sad.
👶 For kids: Being able to understand and feel things, like when you know someone is happy or sad.
More Examples
The author's sensibility is reflected in the delicate prose.
She showed a deep sensibility towards the suffering of others.
How It's Used
"Her sensibility to beauty was evident in her choice of artwork."
"The study examined the effects of trauma on an individual's emotional sensibility."
"The designer's sensibility to color and texture created a harmonious interior."
Refined taste; a delicate appreciation of beauty and elegance.
ˌsɛnsəˈbɪlɪti
Good taste and a refined appreciation for beauty and elegance.
The architect's sensibility to design was evident in the building's harmonious proportions.
💡 Simply: It's about having a great sense of what's stylish, beautiful, or elegant. Like knowing how to dress nicely or how to decorate a room so that it looks amazing.
👶 For kids: Having a good sense for what looks pretty or feels nice.
More Examples
His sensibility to art helped him become a great collector.
A good writer has a sensibility for the correct use of words and the creation of elegant phrases.
How It's Used
"Her sensibility to fashion was evident in her elegant attire."
"The museum displayed a sensibility that appreciated subtle nuances in artistic expression."
A capacity for experiencing and expressing emotions; emotional awareness.
ˌsɛnsəˈbɪlɪti
The capacity for deep feeling; emotional awareness.
Her sensibility allowed her to understand the character's motivations.
💡 Simply: Being really in tune with your own and other people’s feelings. Like having a big heart that understands what others are going through.
👶 For kids: Being able to feel a lot of feelings and understand other people's feelings.
More Examples
The politician's sensibility towards public concerns helped him get re-elected.
A good leader needs sensibility to understand their teams' emotional state.
How It's Used
"The social worker showed great sensibility towards the needs of the vulnerable population."
"The romantic writers were known for their sensibility and their focus on emotional depth."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From French *sensibilité*, from *sensible* (sensible), ultimately from Latin *sensibilis* (perceptible, capable of feeling), from *sentire* (to feel).
Used extensively in 18th and 19th-century literature to describe characters with strong emotional responses and aesthetic appreciation.
Memory tip
Think of 'sense-ability': your ability to sense and understand complex feelings or delicate situations.
Word Origin
"To feel, perceive"