English Reference
noun · verb

sense

n. · v.
US /ˈsɛns/ UK /sˈɛns/ sense UK spelling senses

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.one of the five ways you experience the world: sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch.

    n.any of the physiological systems by which a living being perceives external or internal stimuli.

    Simple

    Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans do.

    In context

    The loss of one's sense of taste can significantly impact appetite and overall quality of life during recovery from illness.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.the ability to think clearly and make good decisions.

    n.sound practical or moral judgment; the capacity for rational thought.

    Simple

    It makes sense to bring an umbrella if the sky looks grey.

    In context

    Common sense dictates that we should verify the credentials of the contractor before signing a long-term agreement.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the specific meaning of a word or a phrase.

    n.the particular meaning or significance of a word, expression, or passage.

    Simple

    In this sentence, the word 'bank' is used in the sense of a river edge.

    In context

    The poet uses the word in a highly metaphorical sense, challenging the reader to look beyond the literal definition.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    n.a general feeling or awareness about a situation.

    n.a vague or intuitive awareness; a general impression or feeling.

    Simple

    I had a sense that someone was watching me in the crowded station.

    In context

    There was a growing sense of urgency among the staff as the deadline for the project approached.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Math

    n.the direction of a line or the way something rotates.

    n.one of two opposite directions in which a vector may point or a rotation may occur.

    Simple

    The wheels were spinning in a clockwise sense.

    In context

    The vector maintains the same magnitude but changes its sense when multiplied by a negative scalar.

  6. 06 B1 Intermediate

    v.to feel or notice something without being told.

    v.to perceive or become aware of something through the senses or intuition.

    Simple

    Cats can often sense a storm coming before the rain starts.

    In context

    The sophisticated equipment can sense even the slightest vibrations in the earth's crust.

Usage sense of belonging · sense of security · sense of self


From Middle English sense, from Old French sens, sen, san (“sense, perception, direction”); partly from Latin sēnsus (“sensation, feeling, meaning”), from sentiō (“feel, perceive”); partly of Germanic origin (whence also Occitan sen, Italian senno), from Vulgar Latin sennus (“sense, reason, way”), from Frankish sinn ("reason, judgement, mental faculty, way, direction"; whence also Dutch zin, German Sinn, Swedish sinne, Norwegian sinn). Both Latin and Germanic from Proto-Indo-European *sent- (“to feel”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin ine-pro *sent-
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated