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.
This fusion echoes Boulud’s vision of a Manhattan steakhouse with a European sensibility. Spencer Whaley, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 Who knew the couture and cowboy sensibilities could mesh so well. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025 Through detailed musical references and production choices, Mayhem invites fans to explore different wings of Gaga’s artistic sensibility, revealing an artist who has mastered musical curation. Nate Sloan, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025 Nakayama described the film as a fusion of Japanese and international cinema sensibilities, resulting in a distinct and original narrative. Jamie Lang, Variety, 17 Mar. 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 30 Mar. 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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