WordGarden.iosensible
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɛnsəbəl/
US
- /ˈsɛnsəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
showing good judgment and practical awareness
large enough to be noticeable or have a clear effect
Beyond the definition
If someone describes your idea as "sensible," they mean it's practical, logical, and likely to work well. It's the kind of advice your grandmother might give you, grounded in experience and common sense. A sensible pair of shoes is sturdy and comfortable, built for walking, not just for looking pretty.
Think of a sensible decision as one that avoids risks and considers all the facts. Someone who spends their money wisely and plans for the future is acting sensibly. It's about being level-headed and making choices based on what should be done, rather than what feels good in the moment. You might say, "It's sensible to wear a coat when it's cold," or "A sensible approach would be to save some money each month."
The word "sensible" describes something that is practical, reasonable, and shows good judgment. It goes beyond simply being logical; it implies an understanding of what's appropriate and effective in a given situation. For example: "She made the sensible decision to cancel her vacation due to the hurricane warning."
"Sensible" can describe people too. A sensible person is calm, thoughtful, and not likely to do something careless just because of emotion or pressure. They usually think ahead and choose what is safe, fair, or likely to help. You might say, "He's a very sensible young man with a clear head."
It is also often used for everyday choices, habits, and objects. People talk about sensible shoes, sensible prices, sensible rules, or a sensible plan. In these cases, the word suggests usefulness over style, and good judgment over excitement. A sensible option may not be the most fun or dramatic one, but it is the one that fits the situation well.
The opposite is usually something like foolish, careless, or impractical. A spontaneous road trip might be fun, but a sensible person would still think about the cost, the time, and what could go wrong before leaving. The word often carries a positive feeling because it suggests maturity, self-control, and a clear view of reality.
So whether you're describing a plan, a person, or a course of action, "sensible" signifies practicality, good judgment, and a grounded approach to life.
Examples
- 1
Planning
That sounds like a sensible plan.
- 2
Travel timing
It would be sensible to leave before rush hour.
- 3
Personal judgment
It was sensible of Maya to bring a jacket.
- Patternit was sensible of + person to do X
that person was wise to do it
- 4
Money habits
She's usually very sensible about money.
- Patternsensible about + topic
careful and practical in dealing with it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Clothing
Wear sensible shoes if you're going to walk that far.
- Phrasesensible shoes
comfortable, practical shoes
- 6
Advice
He gave me some sensible advice when I was thinking of quitting.
- 7
Discussion
Let's have a sensible discussion and decide what to do next.
- 8
Medical caution
Be sensible and call a doctor if the pain gets worse.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- judicious
- level-headed
- down-to-earth
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- sensible decision
- sensible approach
- sensible shoes
- perfectly sensible
Word family
- sensibly
- sensibleness
Explore
- common sense
- discernment
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sensibleadjective