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 But the former soap opera actor’s TV-star charisma and the virtuoso chops of his band — including accordion player Egidio Cuadrado and Mayte Montero on the gaita, a flute-like instrument with the textural sensibility of Andean music — suddenly put the band’s fusion on the global map. Ernesto Lechner, Variety, 22 July 2024 These sensibilities continue up on the terrace, where a pergola shades a serene outdoor living area punctuated by bespoke latticework and planters overflowing with coordinating blooms. Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 19 July 2024 By mixing baroque sensibilities with modern touches, the band is becoming one of Britain’s most stylish group, in terms of music and fashion. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 18 July 2024 In other words, Johnson’s sensibilities shine through the template laid out by George Lucas nearly a half-century ago. Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for sensibility 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sensibility.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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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Dictionary Entries Near sensibility

Cite this Entry

“Sensibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensibility. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

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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