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> barchaic : 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: conscious4: 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