# sense

/ˈsɛns/ (US) · /sˈɛns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sense
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. biological perception

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans do.
- The loss of one's sense of taste can significantly impact appetite and overall quality of life during recovery from illness.

### 2. good judgment

noun · CEFR B1

the ability to think clearly and make good decisions.

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

- It makes sense to bring an umbrella if the sky looks grey.
- Common sense dictates that we should verify the credentials of the contractor before signing a long-term agreement.

### 3. meaning

noun · CEFR B2

the specific meaning of a word or a phrase.

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

- In this sentence, the word 'bank' is used in the sense of a river edge.
- The poet uses the word in a highly metaphorical sense, challenging the reader to look beyond the literal definition.

### 4. awareness or feeling

noun · CEFR B1

a general feeling or awareness about a situation.

For teachers: a vague or intuitive awareness; a general impression or feeling.

- I had a sense that someone was watching me in the crowded station.
- There was a growing sense of urgency among the staff as the deadline for the project approached.

### 5. mathematical direction

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the direction of a line or the way something rotates.

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

- The wheels were spinning in a clockwise sense.
- The vector maintains the same magnitude but changes its sense when multiplied by a negative scalar.

### 6. to feel or detect

verb · CEFR B1

to feel or notice something without being told.

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

- Cats can often sense a storm coming before the rain starts.
- The sophisticated equipment can sense even the slightest vibrations in the earth's crust.

## Examples

- Dogs have a very strong sense of smell.
- I had a strange sense that someone was watching me as I walked through the park.
- The author uses vivid imagery to appeal to the reader's sense of nostalgia, creating a world that feels both familiar and lost.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.