Main Entry: ¹sen·si·ble

Pronunciation: \ˈsen(t)-sə-bəl\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin sensibilis, from sensus, past participle of sentire to feel

Date: 14th century

1 : of a kind to be felt or perceived: as a : perceptible to the senses or to reason or understanding <felt a sensible chill> <her distress was sensible from her manner> b archaic : perceptibly large : considerable c : perceptible as real or material : substantial <the sensible world in which we live>
2 a : capable of receiving sensory impressions <sensible to pain> b : receptive to external influences : sensitive <the most sensible reaches of the spirit>
3 a : perceiving through the senses or mind : cognizant <sensible of the increasing heat>; also : convinced by perceived evidence : satisfied <sensible of my error> b : emotionally aware and responsive <we are sensible of your problems> c : conscious
4 : having, containing, or indicative of good sense or reason : rational, reasonable <sensible people> <made a sensible answer>
5 : designed for practical ends (as comfort) rather than for appearance <sensible shoes>

synonyms see material, perceptible, aware, wise

— sen·si·ble·ness noun

— sen·si·bly \-blē\ adverb