Sensitivity
/ˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪti/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe ability to be affected by something; the state of being easily upset or offended; responsiveness to external stimuli.
/ˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪti/
The quality or state of being sensitive.
Her sensitivity to loud noises made concerts difficult.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're super good at feeling things. Like, you can tell exactly how hot or cold something is, or you get easily sad when you see a sad movie. That feeling is sensitivity!
👶 For kids: Being able to feel things a lot, like if something is hot or cold, or if someone is being kind or mean.
More Examples
The company showed a high degree of sensitivity to environmental concerns.
The test measures the sensitivity of the sensor to light.
How It's Used
"The patient's sensitivity to penicillin required careful monitoring."
"Increased sensitivity to criticism can be a sign of low self-esteem."
"The climate model assessed the sensitivity of sea levels to rising temperatures."
The ability of a device or system to detect or respond to small changes or stimuli.
/ˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪti/
The ability to detect small changes or differences.
The lab tested the sensitivity of the detector.
💡 Simply: Think of a really good tool, like a scale that can weigh even the smallest things. It's able to 'feel' tiny changes. That's sensitivity!
👶 For kids: How good something is at noticing tiny changes, like a super-smart measuring tool.
More Examples
The new sensor exhibits improved sensitivity.
The instrument's sensitivity allows for precise measurements.
How It's Used
"The instrument has a high sensitivity to detect minute changes in pressure."
"The camera's low-light sensitivity is excellent."
"Engineers must consider the sensitivity of the system to vibration."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a sensitive issue
A topic or matter that requires careful handling because it may cause offense or disagreement.
"The question of tax reform is a sensitive issue for many politicians."
High sensitivity
The property of an instrument or system to accurately detect small changes or stimuli.
"The advanced camera system's high sensitivity enables it to capture clear images in dim lighting."
Test for sensitivity
Process to determine how something reacts to certain stimuli.
"Before launching the medication, the team performed a test for sensitivity"
From Middle French *sensitivité*, from Late Latin *sensibilitas*, from Latin *sensibilis* ("perceptible by the senses"), from *sentire* ("to feel, perceive").
The word has been used since the 17th century, initially in the context of physical sensations before expanding to emotional and social contexts.
Memory tip
Think of how your body reacts to a hot stove. That's sensitivity to heat. It's the same idea for emotions or other things.
Word Origin
"To feel, perceive"