Main Entry: ¹sen·si·tive

Pronunciation: \ˈsen(t)-sə-tiv, ˈsen(t)s-təv\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin sensitivus, probably alteration of sensativus, from sensatus sensate

Date: 15th century

1 : sensory 2
2 a : receptive to sense impressions b : capable of being stimulated or excited by external agents (as light, gravity, or contact) <sensitive cells>
3 : highly responsive or susceptible: as a (1) : easily hurt or damaged; especially : easily hurt emotionally (2) : delicately aware of the attitudes and feelings of others b : excessively or abnormally susceptible : hypersensitive <sensitive to egg protein> c : readily fluctuating in price or demand <sensitive commodities> d : capable of indicating minute differences : delicate <sensitive scales> e : readily affected or changed by various agents (as light or mechanical shock) <a photographic emulsion sensitive to red light> f : highly radiosensitive
4 a : concerned with highly classified government information or involving discretionary authority over important policy matters <sensitive documents> b : calling for tact, care, or caution in treatment : touchy <a sensitive issue like race relations>
5 : having or showing concern for a specified matter —usually used in combination <a price-sensitive customer> <environmentally sensitive policies>

synonyms see liable

— sen·si·tive·ly adverb

— sen·si·tive·ness noun