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.
As for being Afro-gothic, Salim says the idea is to blend African culture with the sensibilities of Mary Shelley. Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024 One of Jones’ priorities was to imbue Jackson's music with jazz language and sensibilities, even while aiming for the top of the charts. Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024 This is a historic brand that’s honed their aesthetic sensibilities over generations, and like a fine wine, much of their work has only gotten better with age. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024 Cult science-fiction author Nigel Kneale wrote the original teleplay, and the film retains all of the best parts of Kneale's misanthropic sensibilities. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024 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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Dictionary Entries Near sensibility

Cite this Entry

“Sensibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensibility. Accessed 21 Nov. 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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