sensibility

noun

sen·​si·​bil·​i·​ty ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce sensibility (audio)
plural sensibilities
1
: ability to receive sensations : sensitiveness
tactile sensibility
2
: peculiar susceptibility to a pleasurable or painful impression (as from praise or a slight)
often used in plural
3
: awareness of and responsiveness toward something (such as emotion in another)
4
: refined or excessive sensitiveness in emotion and taste with especial responsiveness to the pathetic

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The meanings of sensibility run the gamut from mere sensation to excessive sentimentality. In between is a capacity for delicate appreciation, a sense often pluralized. In Jane Austen's books, sensibility is mostly an admirable quality she attributes to, or finds lacking in, her characters: "He had ... a sensibility to what was amiable and lovely" (of Mr. Elliot in Persuasion). In Sense and Sensibility, however, Austen starts out by ascribing to Marianne sensibleness, on the one hand, but an "excess of sensibility" on the other: "Her sorrows, her joys, could have no moderation ... she was everything but prudent."

Examples of sensibility in a Sentence

The writer is remembered most for his sensibility. She's a woman of poetic sensibility.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Of course, the classic silhouettes are all covered here—from roomy wide-legs to stovepipes and skinnies, polished pleat-fronts that are ideal for office outfitting, and barrel-leg options with that distinct, fashion-forward sensibility. Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025 The actress revels in every episode as a septuagenarian lawyer returning to the workforce at a high-profile New York firm with a Southern accent and a baby boomer sensibility. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025 If the deal goes through, Weiss will doubtless bring a similar sensibility to CBS, and to a vastly larger, more offline audience. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025 Testarossa’s interior blends the forms and functions of a classic Berlinetta with the cockpit sensibilities of a single-seater. Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensibility

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensibility was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Sensibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensibility. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

sensibility

noun
sen·​si·​bil·​i·​ty ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce sensibility (audio)
plural sensibilities
1
: ability to receive sensations : sensitiveness
2
: response to a pleasurable or painful impression (as praise or criticism)
3
: the emotion or feeling of which a person is capable

Medical Definition

sensibility

noun
sen·​si·​bil·​i·​ty ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce sensibility (audio)
plural sensibilities
1
: ability to receive sensations
sensibility to pain
2
: awareness of and responsiveness toward something (as emotion in another)

More from Merriam-Webster on sensibility

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