Word
sensibly
Phoneticssen·si·bly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɛnsəbɫi/
UK/sˈɛnsəbli/
Definition
adv. in a way that is wise, practical, and makes good sense. You use this when someone makes a decision that is fair and logical.
adv. in a manner that is prudent, logical, or reasonable. Often used to describe actions that follow a sound judgment or common sense.
Examples
“You should spend your money sensibly.”
“The committee decided to invest in solar panels sensibly, balancing the initial cost with long-term savings.”
“While the proposal was ambitious, the board felt it was necessary to proceed sensibly, ensuring that every phase of the project was thoroughly vetted before committing further resources.”
Examples
simple
“You should spend your money sensibly.”
contextual
“The committee decided to invest in solar panels sensibly, balancing the initial cost with long-term savings.”
complex
“While the proposal was ambitious, the board felt it was necessary to proceed sensibly, ensuring that every phase of the project was thoroughly vetted before committing further resources.”
Etymology
From sensible + -ly.
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
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/sensibly