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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- sensibilities
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her design reflects a very modern _____.
Etymology
From Late Latin sensibilitas, from Latin sensibilis, "perceptible, capable of feeling."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for sensibility
See all rhymes for sensibility →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.
