# sensible

/ˈsɛnsəbəɫ/ (US) · /sˈɛnsəbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sensible
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. practical and wise

adjective · CEFR B1

showing good judgement and making decisions based on reason rather than emotion.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. functional clothing

adjective · CEFR B1

chosen because it is comfortable and useful, not because it looks fashionable.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. perceptible

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

large or strong enough to be noticed by your senses.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. aware

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

knowing or being aware of something.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- It is sensible to save some money every month.
- She wore sensible shoes for the long walk across the city.
- A sensible approach to the budget crisis involves cutting non-essential spending while protecting the core services that the community relies upon daily.

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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.