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noun Uncommon

sensibility

sehn-sih-BIH-lih-tee

Sensibility (noun) means Emotional sensitivity, especially regarding artistic, aesthetic, or moral matters. Example: “Her design reflects a very modern sensibility.”

noun
1
Emotional sensitivity, especially regarding artistic, aesthetic, or moral matters.
"Her design reflects a very modern sensibility."
"He wrote with a keen sensibility for the tragic."
2
The capacity to feel or perceive through the senses.
"The nerve damage reduced sensibility in her hand."

How to Use Sensibility

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA refined capacity to feel things — whether physical sensations or artistic and emotional responses.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with sensitivity — sensibility often implies a refined, cultivated capacity for feeling (an artistic sensibility), while sensitivity is more general responsiveness or being easily affected.

Easily confused with

Word Forms

sensibilities plural

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Her design reflects a very modern _____.

Etymology

From Late Latin sensibilitas, from Latin sensibilis, "perceptible, capable of feeling."

Origin: Late Latin

sensitivity esthesia aesthesia sensitiveness

Related Words

Rhymes for sensibility

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “sensibility” mean?

The word “sensibility” means emotional sensitivity, especially regarding artistic, aesthetic, or moral matters. In plain terms, a refined capacity to feel things — whether physical sensations or artistic and emotional responses.

How do you pronounce “sensibility”?

“Sensibility” is pronounced sehn-sih-BIH-lih-tee (/ˌsɛn(t)səˈbɪləti/ in IPA).

How do you use “sensibility” in a sentence?

Here is “sensibility” used in a sentence: “Her design reflects a very modern sensibility.”

What part of speech is “sensibility”?

“Sensibility” is a noun.

Where does the word “sensibility” come from?

The word “sensibility” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin sensibilitas, from Latin sensibilis, "perceptible, capable of feeling.".

Is “sensibility” a common word?

“Sensibility” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “sensibility” have?

“Sensibility” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: emotional sensitivity, especially regarding artistic, aesthetic, or moral matters.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial