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sensitive

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈsɛnsətɪv// UK //sˈɛnsɪtˌɪv// sen·si·tive Archaic General-service

n. quick to notice or feel small changes, or easily hurt by what people say. You use this to describe someone who understands other people's feelings well, or a part of your body that feels pain easily.

n. responsive to slight physical stimuli or subtle emotional changes; easily offended or emotionally affected. Often used to describe physiological reactions or empathetic personality traits.


SIMPLE

My teeth are very sensitive to cold water.

CONTEXTUAL

She is a sensitive person who always knows when her friends are feeling upset.

COMPLEX

The diplomat handled the sensitive negotiations with great care, ensuring that neither party felt their cultural values were being overlooked or disrespected.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle French sensitif, from Medieval Latin sensitivus.

Usage

Commonly followed by the preposition 'to' when describing a reaction to a stimulus.

Pitfall

He is a very sensible person who cries easily.He is a very sensitive person who cries easily.Learners often confuse 'sensitive' (emotional/responsive) with 'sensible' (practical/logical) due to false friends in many European languages.

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