How Do You Spell SENSITIVE?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛnsɪtˌɪv] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "sensitive" can be confusing due to the irregularity of English spelling. It is pronounced as /ˈsɛnsətɪv/ with the stressed syllable being the second one. The "s" is the usual letter for the /s/ sound, but the "c" is used before "e" and "i" to create the /s/ sound. The "e" in the second syllable is silent, and the "i" is used to represent the /ɪ/ sound. The final "e" is used to show that the stress falls on the second syllable.

SENSITIVE Meaning and Definition

  1. Sensitive is an adjective that denotes an acute and heightened awareness or responsiveness to various stimuli or situations. It refers to a person's or an organism's ability to perceive and interpret information, emotions, or physical sensations in a deep and perceptive manner. The term often implies a level of vulnerability or delicacy towards external influences and internal experiences.

    In the context of emotions, sensitivity refers to being easily affected or moved by the feelings, actions, or opinions of others. A sensitive individual may show heightened empathy, compassion, or sympathetic reactions towards the emotions expressed by others. Such individuals may be more prone to feeling hurt or taking things personally.

    When referring to physical sensitivity, it pertains to an organism's heightened or responsive perception of touch, temperature, or pain. For instance, sensitive skin may react more intensely or adversely to certain environmental conditions or substances.

    In broader terms, being sensitive can also encompass a more general openness or receptiveness to the subtleties and nuances of art, literature, music, or nature. Sensitivity can nourish creativity, as it allows individuals to better discern and appreciate the aesthetic qualities and emotions conveyed in various artistic expressions.

    It is important to note that sensitivity can manifest in various degrees and contexts, and it may greatly differ between individuals. Additionally, being sensitive can have both positive and negative implications, depending on the situation and how it is managed.

  2. 1. Capable of perceiving sensations. 2. Responding to a stimulus. 3. Readily undergoing a chemical change, as a sensitive reagent. 4. Amenable to the destructive action of complement. 5. One who is readily hypnotizable. 6. One supposed to receive communications from spirits, a psychic.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. Quickly and acutely alive to impressions from external objects; having keen sense or feeling; that affects the senses.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SENSITIVE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SENSITIVE

Etymology of SENSITIVE

The word "sensitive" originated from the Latin word "sēnsitīvus", which is derived from the Latin verb "sentīre", meaning "to feel" or "to perceive". The word was later adopted into Old French as "sensitif" before becoming "sensitive" in the English language.

Idioms with the word SENSITIVE

  • hit/touch a (raw/sensitive) nerve To "hit/touch a (raw/sensitive) nerve" means to say or do something that causes a strong emotional response or reaction, usually because it touches on a sensitive or personal issue for someone. It can also refer to bringing up a topic or memory that is particularly painful or distressing for an individual.

Similar spelling words for SENSITIVE

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