WordGarden.iosensitive
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɛnsɪtˌɪv/
US
- /ˈsɛnsətɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
easily hurt, upset, or offended
easily affected by touch, pain, temperature, or similar stimuli
aware of and responsive to other people's feelings
More meaningsFewer meanings
requiring restricted handling because it is private, confidential, or security-critical
needing tact or careful handling because it could cause offense, embarrassment, or conflict
able to detect or react to very small changes or amounts
Beyond the definition
Being sensitive means being easily affected by things around you, whether in feelings, in the body, or in a situation. You might describe a friend as "sensitive" if they cry easily at sad movies, or skin as "sensitive" if it reacts badly to certain products. The word can also describe a subject that may upset people, so it needs to be handled with care. Sometimes this quality is a strength because it helps someone notice other people's feelings. At other times, it can make life harder because strong emotions or outside changes feel more intense. A detective might ask for "sensitive information," meaning private details that should be treated carefully.
The word "sensitive" has several related uses. At its core, it describes someone or something that is easily affected. That can involve feelings, the body, private information, a difficult topic, or even a device. In each case, the idea is the same: it reacts quickly or needs careful handling.
When we describe someone as emotionally sensitive, we mean they feel things deeply and can be easily hurt or upset by what other people say or do. They may notice small changes in tone or mood that others miss. This can make them caring and understanding, but it can also mean they get hurt more easily. You might say, "She's a very sensitive person," about a friend who feels things strongly.
But the word is not limited to feelings. Physical sensitivity describes how the body reacts to things such as light, sound, heat, or chemicals. "I have sensitive skin" means certain products cause irritation. "He is sensitive to noise" means noise bothers him more than it bothers other people.
"Sensitive information" is information that needs protection, such as personal details, medical records, or private business data. A "sensitive topic" is a subject that could easily offend, embarrass, or upset people, so it should be discussed carefully. Talking about money, religion, or family problems can be sensitive in the wrong setting.
The word also appears in science and technology. A sensitive instrument can detect very small changes. A camera sensor, for example, may be sensitive to light, and a measuring device may be sensitive enough to notice a tiny difference.
So, whether you are talking about emotions, skin reactions, private data, difficult subjects, or precise instruments, "sensitive" usually points to something that reacts easily or should be handled with care. In people, it can be a strength because it helps them understand others deeply. In other situations, it simply means that extra care is needed.
Examples
- 1
Dental care
This toothpaste is made for people with sensitive teeth.
- 2
Physical reaction
My brother is very sensitive to cold, so he always wears a jacket.
- 3
Personal criticism
She's sensitive to criticism, even when people are trying to help.
- 4
Family topic
Money can be a sensitive subject in some families.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Personal insecurity
He's still sensitive about his accent.
- Patternsensitive about + personal topic
easily upset when people mention it
- 6
Low light
This camera is sensitive to low light, so it takes clear pictures at night.
- 7
Measuring instrument
The instrument is sensitive enough to detect very small changes in temperature.
- 8
Personal data
The report contains sensitive personal information.
- 9
Cultural awareness
Good teachers try to be sensitive to cultural differences in the classroom.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- insensitive
- thick-skinned
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- sensitive to criticism
- sensitive about
- emotionally sensitive
Word family
Explore
- emotional reactivity
- self-consciousness
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sensitivenounadjective
Forms
- sensitivespluralnounadjective