sensitivity
sensitivity Lexical Profile
sensitivity Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An awareness of and responsiveness toward the feelings, needs, or circumstances of other people.
"The counselor handled the family's grief with remarkable sensitivity and patience."
The quality or condition of responding quickly or strongly to physical stimuli, environmental changes, or specific substances.
"Many patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity to cold drinks after dental procedures."
A tendency to become easily offended, upset, or emotionally hurt, or a subject requiring delicate and diplomatic handling.
"The diplomat navigated the local cultural sensitivities carefully during the trade negotiations."
The degree to which a scientific instrument, sensor, or diagnostic test can detect faint signals or accurately identify positive cases.
"Engineers upgraded the telescope's infrared sensors to improve its sensitivity to distant galaxies."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Sensitivity' is often confused with 'sensibility'; in modern usage, 'sensitivity' refers to physical reactivity or thoughtful awareness of others' feelings, whereas 'sensibility' refers to an artistic or emotional capacity to appreciate refined impressions.
• Rhymes for sensitivity
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the early 19th century from 'sensitive' plus the suffix '-ity', ultimately tracing back to the Medieval Latin 'sensitivus' and the Latin verb 'sentire', meaning 'to feel' or 'to perceive'.