sensitive

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.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Sensitive entered English in the late Middle Ages and ultimately derives from Latin sentire, “to feel or perceive.” It is historically related to sense, sensation, sensible, sensory, sentence, and scent.

From Middle French sensitif, from Medieval Latin sensitivus.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary