sensitive
5 antonyms and opposites of sensitive, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Easily affected, upset, or hurt by things.
Antonyms
How to use sensitive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French sensitif, from Medieval Latin sensitivus, ultimately from Latin sentiō, "to feel."
Full origin of sensitive →Frequently asked questions
What does “sensitive” mean?
The word “sensitive” means easily affected, upset, or hurt by things. In plain terms, easily affected or hurt, or requiring careful/delicate handling, or (of a device) able to detect fine changes.
How do you pronounce “sensitive”?
“Sensitive” is pronounced SEHN-siht-ihv (/ˈsɛn.sɪt.ɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “sensitive” in a sentence?
Here is “sensitive” used in a sentence: “He's quite sensitive about his height.”
What is another word for “sensitive”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sensitive” include aware, caring, classified, compassionate, nesh and precise.
What is the opposite of “sensitive”?
The opposite of “sensitive” — its antonyms — are insensitive, nonsensitive, resistant, stoic and uncaring.
What part of speech is “sensitive”?
“Sensitive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sensitive” come from?
The word “sensitive” comes from Medieval Latin. From Middle French sensitif, from Medieval Latin sensitivus, ultimately from Latin sentiō, "to feel.".
Is “sensitive” a common word?
“Sensitive” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between sensitive and emotional?
A sensitive person is easily affected or hurt by what happens around them, picking up on criticism, moods, or slights that others might miss. An emotional person feels and expresses strong emotions openly. You can be sensitive without being outwardly emotional, quietly absorbing things rather than showing a visible reaction.
Is being sensitive a good or bad thing?
It is neither inherently, since it simply describes being easily affected. Sensitivity can be a strength, fuelling empathy, perceptiveness, and care for others. It becomes a difficulty when someone is so easily upset that ordinary remarks cause real distress. Context and degree determine whether it helps or hinders.
Can you be too sensitive?
Yes. When a person is hurt or offended by mild, ordinary comments, we often say they are oversensitive or thin-skinned. This can strain relationships and make feedback hard to give. Like most traits, sensitivity is healthiest in balance, enough to feel deeply but not so much that everything wounds.
Does sensitive only describe feelings?
No. Beyond being easily upset, 'sensitive' also describes physical reactivity, as in sensitive skin or sensitive teeth that react strongly to stimuli, and confidential matters, as in sensitive information or a sensitive negotiation. All these senses share the core idea of responding readily, or needing careful handling.