sensitive

/ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/

Say it: SEN-si-tiv

1. adjective Easily upset, offended, or emotionally affected by the actions or words of others.
He's very sensitive to criticism and takes any negative feedback to heart.
2. adjective Quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences.
The new sensor is so sensitive it can detect microscopic particles in the air.
3. adjective Aware of and responsive to the feelings and needs of other people.
She has a sensitive and caring approach to her patients.
4. adjective Relating to a subject that needs to be handled carefully to avoid causing offense or revealing secret information.
National security is a politically sensitive topic that requires careful discussion.

📖 Seen in the wild

The new instrument was highly sensitive to minute variations in temperature.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ sensitive in a sentence

The negotiations have reached a sensitive stage, and any leak could jeopardize the deal.
My dentist recommended a special toothpaste for my sensitive teeth.
As a leader, you have to be sensitive to the morale of your team.
The stock market is highly sensitive to news about interest rates.
It was a sensitive and thoughtful portrayal of a family dealing with loss.
This device is equipped with a motion-sensitive alarm.
Be careful what you say around her; she has a sensitive disposition.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

touchy delicate thin-skinned susceptible perceptive responsive receptive empathetic

touchy · more informal, suggesting someone is quick to take offense or get annoyed.

delicate · implies fragility and a need for careful handling, often in a more general or physical sense.

thin-skinned · an informal idiom specifically for being easily offended by criticism or insults.

susceptible · suggests a general vulnerability or openness to being affected by something.

Opposites: insensitive, unfeeling, oblivious, resilient, thick-skinned

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'sensitive' entered English in the late 14th century from Old French 'sensitif', which itself comes from the Latin 'sentire', meaning 'to feel'. Originally, it described the capacity of the body's senses to feel things. It wasn't until the early 19th century that it took on its most common modern meaning of being easily hurt or emotionally tender.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

sensitive informationa sensitive topicsensitive to criticismsensitive skinpolitically sensitivea sensitive soul

'Sensitive' is a versatile word whose connotation depends heavily on context. It can be a compliment, suggesting someone is empathetic and aware ('a sensitive artist'). It can also be a criticism, implying someone is fragile or overly emotional ('too sensitive for this job'). Be mindful of the context to avoid misinterpretation. Also, do not confuse 'sensitive' (related to feelings) with 'sensible' (related to good judgment).

Word family: sensitivity, sensitively, sensitize, desensitize, hypersensitive

💬 Quick answers

What does it mean to be a sensitive person?

A sensitive person is someone who feels things deeply, whether their own emotions or those of others. They may also be easily overwhelmed by sensory input like loud noises or bright lights.

Is being sensitive a good or bad thing?

It can be viewed as both. Being sensitive often means you are empathetic, creative, and perceptive, which are positive traits. However, it can also mean you are easily hurt or overwhelmed, which can be challenging.

What's the difference between 'sensitive' and 'sensible'?

'Sensitive' relates to feelings and perception. 'Sensible' means practical and showing good judgment. A sensitive person might cry at a sad movie, while a sensible person brings an umbrella on a cloudy day.

What is 'sensitive information'?

Sensitive information is data that must be protected from unauthorized access to avoid causing harm. This includes personal details, financial records, government secrets, and confidential business strategies.

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