sensitive
sensitive Lexical Profile
sensitive Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having or showing a quick and delicate appreciation of others' feelings, needs, or emotional states.
"A good counselor must remain sensitive to the unspoken concerns of each client."
Easily hurt, offended, or upset by criticism, remarks, or emotional stress.
"He is quite sensitive about his lack of formal university credentials."
Quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or physical stimuli such as light, heat, or touch.
"She wears broad-brimmed hats in the summer because her skin is highly sensitive to sunlight."
Requiring great tact, secrecy, or careful handling because of potential controversy, embarrassment, or security risks.
"All sensitive financial documents must be encrypted before being transmitted across the network."
• noun
A person who is unusually responsive to emotional, artistic, or supposed paranormal and psychic influences.
"In nineteenth-century spiritualist circles, a purported sensitive was often invited to conduct séances."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'sensitive' (responsive to feelings or stimuli, or easily hurt) with 'sensible' (showing practical wisdom and good judgment).
• Rhymes for sensitive
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'sensitif', from Medieval Latin 'sensitivus' (capable of sensation), derived from Latin 'sensus', the past participle of 'sentire' (to feel or perceive).