sensuous

sen·su·ous

adjective \ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəs\

Definition of SENSUOUS

1

a : of or relating to the senses or sensible objects

b : producing or characterized by gratification of the senses : having strong sensory appeal <sensuous pleasure>

2

: characterized by sense impressions or imagery aimed at the senses <sensuous verse>

3

: highly susceptible to influence through the senses

— sen·su·os·i·ty \ˌsen(t)-shə-ˈwä-sə-tē\ noun

— sen·su·ous·ly \ˈsen(t)-shə-wəs-lē\ adverb

— sen·su·ous·ness noun

Examples of SENSUOUS

1. The sensuous sounds of soul music created a warm atmosphere.
2. A gentle, sensuous breeze caressed our faces.

Origin of SENSUOUS

Latin sensus sense + English -ous

First Known Use: 1640

Related to SENSUOUS

Synonyms

sensational, sensitive, sensorial, sensory

Related Words

afferent, receptive; sensate, sensual

Near Antonyms

extrasensory, intuitional

Synonym Discussion of SENSUOUS

sensuous, sensual, luxurious, voluptuous mean relating to or providing pleasure through gratification of the senses. sensuous implies gratification of the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasure <the sensuous delights of great music>. sensual tends to imply the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of the physical appetites as ends in themselves <a life devoted to sensual pleasures>. luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor <a luxurious hotel>. voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure <a voluptuous feast>.

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal