Sensitive is a word with several meanings in English. It can describe a person who is strongly affected by emotionsFeelings such as happiness, sadness, anger, or fear., a part of the body that hurts or reactsChanges or responds when something happens. easily, or something that responds quickly to touch, light, temperature, or other stimuliThings that cause a response in a person, organism, or device.. It can also refer to information that should be handled carefully or kept privateNot shared publicly or available to everyone..
Sensitive Meaning
Sensitive usually means easily affected by emotions, physical sensations, changes, or outside influences. When used about a person, it often describes someone who quickly notices other people’s feelings and reacts strongly to emotional situations.
Definition
Quick to notice, feel, or respond to emotions, physical sensations, changes, or the feelings and needs of other people.
Sensitive Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- tender
- emotional
- responsive
- receptive
- susceptible
- delicate
Synonyms for Other Meanings
Easily hurt or painful to touch
- sore
- tender
- raw
- painful
- delicate
Quick to react or detect changes
- responsive
- receptive
- reactive
- highly tuned
Aware of other people’s feelings
- considerate
- understanding
- empathetic
- thoughtful
- perceptive
Private or requiring careful handling
- confidential
- private
- delicate
- restricted
Examples of Sensitive in a Sentence
- She is very sensitive to criticism.
- My tooth is still sensitive after the dental treatment.
- This camera has a highly sensitive light sensor.
- He is sensitive to the feelings of other people.
- The report contains sensitive information.
- Some people have sensitive skin that reacts easily to cosmetics.
Common Mistakes
- Sensitive does not always mean emotional. It can also describe physical pain, technical responsiveness, privacy, or vulnerability.
- Sensible and sensitive have different meanings. Sensible usually means practical or reasonable, while sensitive means easily affected or quick to notice and respond.
- Do not assume that calling someone sensitive is always negative. In some contexts, it can suggest empathy, awareness, and consideration for others.
- The correct synonym depends on the meaning. For example, sore may fit a sensitive tooth, while empathetic may fit a sensitive person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of sensitive?
Sensitive means easily affected by emotions, physical sensations, changes, or outside influences. It can describe an emotional person, a painful body part, a responsive device, delicate information, or something that requires careful treatment.
What are the synonyms of sensitive?
Synonyms for sensitive depend on the context. Common alternatives include tender, emotional, responsive, receptive, delicate, susceptible, empathetic, and considerate.
Is sensitive a positive or negative word?
It can be either positive, negative, or neutral depending on the context. Calling someone sensitive may praise their empathy and awareness, but it can also suggest that they are easily hurt or strongly affected by criticism and difficult situations.
What is the difference between sensitive and sensible?
Sensitive means easily affected or quick to notice and react, while sensible usually means practical, reasonable, and showing good judgment. The two words look similar but are not interchangeable.
Can sensitive describe a physical object or device?
Yes. A device can be sensitive if it reacts to very small changes in light, pressure, movement, temperature, sound, or other stimuli. For example, a sensitive microphone can detect very quiet sounds.