What does "sensitive" mean?
A person with a paranormal sensitivity to something that most cannot perceive.
Sensitive
/ˈsɛn.sɪt.ɪv/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A person with a paranormal sensitivity to something that most cannot perceive.
- Grammar: sensitive is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: tender, accurate, acute, acute.
- Useful contrasts: insensitive, nonsensitive, numb.
- Usage evidence: You are too sensitive to criticism.
How to use "sensitive"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "sensitive" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "sensitive" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "sensitive" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "sensitive" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "sensitive" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "tender" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "sensitive", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A person with a paranormal sensitivity to something that most cannot perceive.
"[I]t is quite certain that many of their fears were unfounded, and centred upon perfectly innocent people - especially those who were what we now call "mediumistic" or "sensitives"."
- 2 someone who serves as an intermediary between the living and the dead wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Having the faculty of sensation; pertaining to the senses.
"The sensitive faculty most part overrules reason, the soul is carried hoodwinked, and the understanding captive like a beast."
- 2 Responsive to stimuli.
"The engine seemed a little sensitive to wet rails, and in consequence the uphill work was not so good north of Dundee as it had been earlier. But I have noted this same "touchiness" on the part of the "A4s", and other modern British 4-6-2s, so that in this respect No. 2006 proved no exception."
- 3 Easily offended, upset, or hurt.
"Max is very sensitive; he cried today because of the bad news."
- 4 Capable of offending, upsetting, or hurting. usually
"Religion is often a sensitive topic of discussion and should be avoided when dealing with foreign business associates."
- 5 Meant to be concealed or kept secret.
"These are highly sensitive documents."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 Being aware of the feelings of others and taking care not to offend them.
"Thank you for being sensitive."
- 7 Important, intricate, and requiring great delicacy.
"The president's untimely statement disrupted some very sensitive negotiations."
- 8 Accurate; able to register small changes in some property.
- 9 Having paranormal abilities that can be controlled through mesmerism. archaic
Adjective
- 1 of or pertaining to classified information or matters affecting national security wordnet
- 2 hurting wordnet
- 3 able to feel or perceive wordnet
- 4 responsive to physical stimuli wordnet
- 5 being susceptible to the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"You are too sensitive to criticism."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "sensitive"?
Common synonyms include: tender, accurate, acute, acute, adaptable, aesthetic.
How do you use "sensitive" in a sentence?
You are too sensitive to criticism.
How do you pronounce "sensitive"?
Pronounced /ˈsɛn.sɪt.ɪv/.
Etymology
From Middle French sensitif, from Medieval Latin sensitivus.