- Main Entry:
- 1sense
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈsen(t)s\
- Function:
- noun
- Etymology:
- Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French sen, sens sensation, feeling, mechanism of perception, meaning, from Latin sensus, from sentire to perceive, feel; perhaps akin to Old High German sinnan to go, strive, Old English sith journey — more at send
- Date:
- 14th century
1: a meaning conveyed or intended : import, signification; especially : one of a set of meanings a word or phrase may bear especially as segregated in a dictionary entry2 a: the faculty of perceiving by means of sense organs b: a specialized function or mechanism (as sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch) by which an animal receives and responds to external or internal stimuli c: the sensory mechanisms constituting a unit distinct from other functions (as movement or thought)3: conscious awareness or rationality —usually used in plural <finally came to his senses>4 a: a particular sensation or kind or quality of sensation <a good sense of balance> b: a definite but often vague awareness or impression <felt a sense of insecurity> <a sense of danger> c: a motivating awareness <a sense of shame> d: a discerning awareness and appreciation <her sense of humor>5: consensus <the sense of the meeting>6 a: capacity for effective application of the powers of the mind as a basis for action or response : intelligence b: sound mental capacity and understanding typically marked by shrewdness and practicality; also : agreement with or satisfaction of such power <this decision makes sense>7: one of two opposite directions especially of motion (as of a point, line, or surface)
synonyms sense,
common sense,
judgment,
wisdom mean ability to reach intelligent conclusions.
sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence
<a choice showing good sense>.
common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge
<common sense tells me it's wrong>.
judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity
<they relied on her judgment for guidance>.
wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average
<a leader of rare wisdom>.
