# sensibility

/ˌsɛnsɪˈbɪɫɪti/ (US) · /sˌɛnsəbˈɪlɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sensibility
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the ability to feel or understand things deeply, especially art, beauty, or other people's feelings.

For teachers: the capacity to respond to complex emotional or aesthetic stimuli; a particular way of thinking or feeling about the world.

## Examples

- The film appeals to a modern sensibility.
- The architect's design reflects a minimalist sensibility, focusing on clean lines and natural light rather than decorative details.
- While the novel was written in the nineteenth century, its psychological depth and focus on individual agency resonate strongly with a contemporary urban sensibility.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He has a high sensibility to pain." but "He has a high sensitivity to pain." — Learners often confuse 'sensibility' (artistic/emotional outlook) with 'sensitivity' (physical or emotional responsiveness to stimuli).

## Usage notes

- Often used in the singular to describe a collective cultural or artistic perspective.

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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.