adj
sensual
SEHNS-yoo-uhl
adj
1
Relating to physical, especially erotic, pleasure and the senses.
"The film was praised for its sensual cinematography."
2
Relating to the physical senses generally, as opposed to the mind or spirit.
"He described a sensual world of taste and touch."
How to Use Sensual
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAppealing to the physical senses, often with an erotic or bodily-pleasure connotation.
Common mistake
Sensual usually carries a physical/erotic charge, while sensuous is broader and can describe pleasurable sensory experience without that connotation (like rich, sensuous fabric).
Easily confused with
Word Forms
more sensual comparative, most sensual superlative
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The film was praised for its _____ cinematography.
Etymology
From Late Latin sensualis, "endowed with feeling," from Latin sensus, "feeling, sense."