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sense

n. · v.
US //ˈsɛns// UK //sˈɛns// sense
  1. 1 biological perception (n.)
    A2 Elementary

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The loss of one's sense of taste can significantly impact appetite and overall quality of life during recovery from illness.
  2. 2 good judgment (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the ability to think clearly and make good decisions.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Common sense dictates that we should verify the credentials of the contractor before signing a long-term agreement.
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  1. 3 meaning (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the specific meaning of a word or a phrase.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The poet uses the word in a highly metaphorical sense, challenging the reader to look beyond the literal definition.
  2. 4 awareness or feeling (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a general feeling or awareness about a situation.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    There was a growing sense of urgency among the staff as the deadline for the project approached.
  3. 5 mathematical direction (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    the direction of a line or the way something rotates.

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

    Example

    The wheels were spinning in a clockwise sense.

    Example

    The vector maintains the same magnitude but changes its sense when multiplied by a negative scalar.
  4. 6 to feel or detect (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to feel or notice something without being told.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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”).

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