sensitive

B2 Topic:People & Society
US /ˈsɛn.sɪt.ɪv/ UK /ˈsɛn.sɪt.ɪv/
adj Freq #2825

Meanings

  1. 1
    adj

    Easily upset or hurt by what people say or do.

    Max is very sensitive and cried when he heard the bad news.

  2. 2
    adj

    Aware of and caring about other people's feelings.

    A good nurse must be sensitive to the needs of patients.

  3. 3
    adj

    Likely to upset or offend people, so needing careful handling.

    Religion can be a sensitive topic, so handle it with care.

  4. 4
    adj

    Reacting quickly or strongly to physical conditions or stimuli.

    A mimosa's leaves are sensitive to touch and fold up at once.

  5. 5
    adj

    Meant to be kept secret or private.

    These are highly sensitive documents and must not be shared.

Thesaurus

Opposites
Word family
Derived forms barosensitivechemosensitivecold-sensitivecontext-sensitivecryosensitiveecosensitiveelectrosensitiveextrasensitivehemosensitivehydrosensitivehygrosensitivehyposensitive
Related forms sense

Etymology

From Middle French sensitif, from Medieval Latin sensitivus.

View etymology graph ->

Topics

markdown

Send feedback

Optional — only if you'd like a reply.