Sensitive
/ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/
Definitions
3 meaningsEasily or readily affected, influenced, or hurt; susceptible to stimuli.
/ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/
Easily affected or influenced by something.
She is very sensitive to criticism.
💡 Simply: Imagine a friend who gets easily upset or happy. Sensitive people react quickly to things around them. It's like their feelings are always on the surface.
👶 For kids: Being sensitive means you feel things easily. Like if someone is sad, you feel a little sad too.
More Examples
The equipment is sensitive to temperature changes.
Some people are more sensitive to pain than others.
How It's Used
"The therapist was trained to be sensitive to the patient's feelings."
"The study identified the areas that are sensitive to climate change."
Showing or feeling sympathy or consideration for others.
/ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/
Aware of and able to appreciate the feelings of others.
She is a sensitive and compassionate person.
💡 Simply: Being sensitive to other people's feelings is like being a really good friend. You notice when someone is sad, happy, or upset, and you react with understanding and care.
👶 For kids: Being sensitive means you care about other people's feelings and try to be nice to them.
More Examples
It's important to be sensitive to the feelings of others.
The manager was sensitive to the team's needs during the difficult project.
How It's Used
"He was very sensitive to her needs and always tried to help."
"A good listener is a sensitive person."
Needing to be treated or handled with care, discretion, or tact; easily affected or damaged.
/ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/
Requiring or involving careful handling; delicate.
The issue is a sensitive matter that requires careful consideration.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're talking about something that could hurt someone's feelings. A sensitive topic means you have to be really careful about what you say and how you say it.
👶 For kids: Something sensitive needs to be handled carefully, like a glass that can break easily.
More Examples
The negotiations were very sensitive and required discretion.
The company's financial information is considered sensitive data.
How It's Used
"The situation required a sensitive approach."
"They were discussing a sensitive topic."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
a sensitive area
A topic, subject, or location that requires tact and caution.
"The border dispute is a sensitive area that could easily escalate into conflict."
sensitive information
Data or facts that are confidential, private, or potentially damaging if disclosed.
"The company's sensitive information was leaked online."
From Medieval Latin *sensitivus*, from Latin *sensus* ('sense, feeling'). It first appeared in English in the 17th century.
The word's use has evolved from its initial association with physical senses to encompass emotional and social understanding.
Memory tip
Think of a plant that closes its leaves when touched. Sensitive people react similarly to emotional 'touches'.