sensation
sehn-SAY-shuhn
Sensation (noun) means a physical feeling produced by something affecting the body or senses. Example: “A burning sensation spread across his tongue after he bit the chilli.”
noun
1
A physical feeling produced by something affecting the body or senses.
"A burning sensation spread across his tongue after he bit the chilli."
"She felt a tingling sensation in her fingers."
"The cold water gave him a shock of sensation as he dived in."
2
A wave of excitement or public interest, or the person or event causing it.
"The little dog became an internet sensation after the video went viral."
"The young singer became an overnight sensation."
"The scandal caused a sensation in the press."
How to use sensation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a physical feeling in your body, or a burst of public excitement.
Common pairings
cause a sensation
a burning sensation
overnight sensation
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Word forms
- Plural
- sensations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A burning _____ spread across his tongue after he bit the chilli.
Etymology
From Old French, ultimately from Latin sensus, "sense" or "feeling."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
lack of sensation
Related words
Rhymes for sensation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for sensation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “sensation” mean?
The word “sensation” means a physical feeling produced by something affecting the body or senses. In plain terms, either a physical feeling in your body, or a burst of public excitement.
How do you pronounce “sensation”?
“Sensation” is pronounced sehn-SAY-shuhn (/sɛnˈseɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “sensation” in a sentence?
Here is “sensation” used in a sentence: “She felt a tingling sensation in her fingers.”
What is another word for “sensation”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sensation” include feeling and perception.
What is the opposite of “sensation”?
The opposite of “sensation” — its antonyms — is lack of sensation.
What part of speech is “sensation”?
“Sensation” is a noun.
Where does the word “sensation” come from?
The word “sensation” comes from Latin. From Old French, ultimately from Latin sensus, "sense" or "feeling.".
Is “sensation” a common word?
“Sensation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between sensation and feeling?
A sensation is a physical response registered through the body or senses, such as heat, pain, or tingling. A feeling can be physical but often refers to an emotion or general impression, making it the broader term.
What is the difference between sensation and emotion?
A sensation is a bodily experience triggered through the senses, while an emotion is a mental and psychological state such as joy or fear. Put simply, sensation is physical and emotion is affective.
When is someone called a sensation?
Someone is called a sensation when they suddenly attract widespread public excitement or attention, as in an "overnight sensation." In this sense the word describes a person or event causing a wave of interest.
What words commonly go with sensation?
Common collocations include "burning sensation," "tingling sensation," "overnight sensation," and "cause a sensation." The first two describe physical feelings, while the latter two describe public excitement.
