Word
sensible
Phoneticssen·si·ble, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɛnsəbəɫ/
UK/sˈɛnsəbəl/
Definitions
01practical and wise
B1 · Intermediate
adj. showing good judgement and making decisions based on reason rather than emotion.
adj. acting with or exhibiting sound judgement; possessing the ability to make rational decisions based on practical wisdom.
“It was sensible of her to save some money for emergencies.”
“A sensible approach to the budget deficit would involve cutting unnecessary spending while protecting essential public services.”
Pitfall
She is very sensible to other people's feelings.
She is very sensitive to other people's feelings.
In English, 'sensible' means practical or wise. If you mean someone who feels emotions easily or notices small changes, use 'sensitive'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02functional clothing
B1 · Intermediate
adj. chosen because it is comfortable and useful, not because it looks fashionable.
adj. designed for utility, comfort, or durability rather than for style or aesthetic display.
“You should wear sensible shoes if you plan to walk all day.”
“The hikers were advised to pack sensible layers of clothing to prepare for the unpredictable mountain weather.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03perceptible
C2 · Proficiency Formal · Literary
adj. large or strong enough to be noticed by your senses.
adj. capable of being perceived by the senses or the intellect; having a physical or tangible presence.
“There was a sensible change in the temperature as the sun went down.”
“The philosopher argued that the sensible world—the one we can touch and see—is merely a shadow of a higher reality.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04aware
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Formal
adj. knowing or being aware of something.
adj. possessing knowledge or awareness of a particular fact or situation.
“He was sensible of the great honour they had given him.”
“The diplomat remained sensible of the political tensions underlying the trade negotiations, choosing his words with extreme caution.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sensible” in context.
Verb
01. remain sensible
“It is important to remain sensible even when you are feeling very angry.”
verb + adj
Adjective
02. perfectly sensible
“It seems perfectly sensible to save some money for your future.”
adv + adj
03. sensible and practical
“She chose a sensible and practical car that was easy to park in the city.”
adj + and + adj
04. sensible to do
“It is sensible to check the weather forecast before you go hiking.”
adj + infinitive
Noun
05. sensible advice
“My teacher gave me some sensible advice about how to prepare for the exam.”
adj + noun
06. sensible approach to the problem
“The manager took a sensible approach to the technical problem.”
adj + noun + prep + adj + noun
07. sensible decision
“Buying a used car was a very sensible decision for a student.”
adj + noun
08. sensible shoes
“You should wear sensible shoes if you are going to be walking all day.”
adj + noun
Confusables
Sensible describes a person's logic and judgment, while sensitive describes their emotional or physical responsiveness.
RememberSensible = Sense. Sensitive = Sentiments.
Etymology
From Latin sēnsibilis (“perceptible by the senses, having feeling, sensible”), from sentiō (“to feel, perceive”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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