...people who suffer extreme sensitivity about what others think. [+ about]
Because of political sensitivities some filming had to be done in secre.
Synonyms: touchiness, defensiveness, thin skin, hypersensitivity More Synonyms of sensitive
3. adjective
A sensitive subject or issue needs to be dealt with carefully because it is likely to cause disagreement or make people angry or upset.
Employment is a very sensitive issue.
...politically sensitive matters.
Synonyms: tricky, difficult, delicate, thorny More Synonyms of sensitive
sensitivityuncountable noun
Due to the obvious sensitivity of the issue he would not divulge any details. [+ of]
Synonyms: touchiness, defensiveness, thin skin, hypersensitivity More Synonyms of sensitive
Synonyms: delicacy, difficulty, awkwardness, trickiness More Synonyms of sensitive
4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Sensitive documents or reports contain information that needs to be kept secret and dealt with carefully.
He instructed staff to shred sensitive documents.
...sensitive information which, in the wrong hands, could jeopardise the safety ofBritish troops.
Synonyms: secret, private, confidential, classified More Synonyms of sensitive
5. adjective
Something that is sensitiveto a physical force, substance, or treatment is easily affected by it and often harmed by it.
...a chemical which is sensitive to light. [+ to]
...gentle cosmetics for sensitive skin.
Synonyms: delicate, tender, fragile, raw More Synonyms of sensitive
sensitivityuncountable noun
...the sensitivity of cells to damage by chemotherapy. [+ of/to]
Synonyms: touchiness, defensiveness, thin skin, hypersensitivity More Synonyms of sensitive
Synonyms: susceptibility, responsiveness, reactivity, receptiveness More Synonyms of sensitive
6. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
A sensitive piece of scientific equipment is capable of measuring or recording very small changes.
...an extremely sensitive microscope.
Synonyms: precise, fine, acute, keen More Synonyms of sensitive
sensitivityuncountable noun
...the sensitivity of the detector. [+ of]
Synonyms: touchiness, defensiveness, thin skin, hypersensitivity More Synonyms of sensitive
Synonyms: responsiveness, precision, keenness, acuteness More Synonyms of sensitive
More Synonyms of sensitive
sensitive in British English
(ˈsɛnsɪtɪv)
adjective
1.
having the power of sensation
2.
responsive to or aware of feelings, moods, reactions, etc
3.
easily irritated; delicate
sensitive skin
4.
affected by external conditions or stimuli
5.
easily offended
6.
of or relating to the senses or the power of sensation
7.
capable of registering small differences or changes in amounts, quality, etc
a sensitive instrument
8. photography
having a high sensitivity
a sensitive emulsion
9.
connected with matters affecting national security, esp through access to classified information
10.
(of a stock market or prices) quickly responsive to external influences and thus fluctuating or tending to fluctuate
Derived forms
sensitively (ˈsensitively)
adverb
sensitiveness (ˈsensitiveness)
noun
Word origin
C14: from Medieval Latin sēnsitīvus, from Latin sentīre to feel
sensitive in American English
(ˈsɛnsətɪv)
adjective
1.
of the senses or sensation; esp., connected with the reception or transmission of sense impressions; sensory
2.
receiving and responding to stimuli from outside objects or agencies; having sensation
3.
responding or feeling readily and acutely; very keenly susceptible to stimuli
a sensitive ear
4.
easily hurt; tender; raw
5.
having or showing keen sensibilities; highly perceptive or responsive intellectually, aesthetically, etc.
6.
easily offended, disturbed, shocked, irritated, etc., as by the actions of others; touchy
7.
changing readily in the presence of some external force or condition
; specif.,
a.
readily affected by light
said of photographic film, etc.
b.
readily receiving very weak radio signals
c.
operating readily in weak light, as certain television camera tubes
8.
designed to indicate or measure small changes or differences
9.
showing, or liable to show, unusual variation; fluctuating
a sensitive stock market
10. US
designating, of, or dealing with secret or delicate matters, esp. secret or delicate government matters
noun
11.
medium (sense 7)
Derived forms
sensitively (ˈsensitively)
adverb
sensitiveness (ˈsensitiveness)
noun
Word origin
ME sensitife < MFr sensitif < ML sensitivus < L sensus: see sense
Examples of 'sensitive' in a sentence
sensitive
The best way to protect sensitive information is to introduce restrictive covenants.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Some people are very sensitive to things.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
This extremely pure cream may be applied to the most sensitive skin without causing any irritation.
Guyton, Anita The Natural Beauty Book - cruelty-free cosmetics to make at home (1991)
Find the most sensitive person in the room and pitch the speech to him or her.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
You have to remember that this is still a sensitive issue.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It is not thought that any sensitive information was stolen.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Some people are more sensitive to it than others.
The Sun (2014)
Perfect for people with sensitive skin as only the thread touches you.
The Sun (2012)
Party political funding in this country is a difficult and sensitive issue.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
In neither instance was sensitive information disclosed.
The Sun (2015)
Clearly she is a sensitive person.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
They're both so sensitive and caring.
The Sun (2013)
Be ambitious to keep it keen, sensitive and aware.
Lumsden, Robert 23 Steps to Successful Achievement (1972)
Size isn't what counts but being a caring sensitive lover does.
The Sun (2010)
The fourth was equipped with detectors sensitive to any minor underground tremor - in case some prisoners attempted to tunnel to freedom.
The Times Literary Supplement (2013)
If you use a more sensitive detector, such as a radio receiver, you will hear crackling sounds.
Schneider, Hermann & Schneider, Leo The Harper Dictionary of Science in Everyday Language (1988)
In other languages
sensitive
British English: sensitive /ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/ ADJECTIVE
If you are sensitive to other people's problems and feelings, you understand and are aware of them.
Teachers must be sensitive to children's needs.
American English: sensitive
Arabic: حَسَّاس
Brazilian Portuguese: sensível
Chinese: 敏感的
Croatian: osjetljiv
Czech: citlivý
Danish: følsom
Dutch: gevoelig
European Spanish: sensible
Finnish: herkkä
French: sensible
German: empfindlich
Greek: ευαίσθητος
Italian: sensibile
Japanese: 傷つきやすい
Korean: 민감한
Norwegian: følsom
Polish: wrażliwy
European Portuguese: sensível
Romanian: empatic
Russian: чувствительный
Latin American Spanish: sensible
Swedish: känslig
Thai: ซึ่งไวต่อสิ่งกระตุ้น
Turkish: duyarlı
Ukrainian: чутливий
Vietnamese: nhạy cảm
All related terms of 'sensitive'
case-sensitive
In computing , if a written word such as a password is case-sensitive , it must be written in a particular form, for example using all capital letters or all small letters, in order for the computer to recognize it.
heat-sensitive
responding to heat or to changes in temperature
light-sensitive
(of a surface) having a photoelectric property, such as the ability to generate a current, change its electrical resistance , etc, when exposed to light
price-sensitive
likely to affect the price of property, esp shares and securities
sensitive plant
a tropical American mimosa plant, Mimosa pudica, the leaflets and stems of which fold if touched
sensitive topic
A topic is a particular subject that you discuss or write about.
time-sensitive
physically changing as time passes
touch-sensitive
Touch-sensitive equipment is operated by the user touching it.
context-sensitive
behaving, responding , or interpreted differently depending on context
sensitive subject
The subject of something such as a conversation , letter, or book is the thing that is being discussed or written about.
sensitive disposition
Someone's disposition is the way that they tend to behave or feel.
Chinese translation of 'sensitive'
sensitive
(ˈsɛnsɪtɪv)
adj
[person]
(= understanding) 善解人意的 (shàn jiě rényì de)
(= over-sensitive) 过(過)于(於)敏感的 (guòyú mǐngǎn de)
[subject]棘手的 (jíshǒu de)
[skin]敏感的 (mǐngǎn de)
[instrument]灵(靈)敏的 (língmǐn de)
to be sensitive to sth[sb's feelings]对(對)某物敏感 (duì mǒuwù mǐngǎn)
to be sensitive about sth对(對)某事敏感 (duì mǒushì mǐngǎn)
1 (adjective)
Definition
responsive to feelings and moods
He was always so sensitive and caring.
Synonyms
thoughtful
a thoughtful and caring man
kind
He was a very kind man, full of common sense.
understanding
Her boss, who was very understanding, gave her time off.
feeling
She is a very warm and feeling person.
kindly
He was a stern critic but an extremely kindly man.
concerned
patient
responsive
intuitive
receptive
The patient was not at all receptive to treatment.
attentive
He is a wonderful host and is always attentive to his guests.
perceptive
considerate
I think he's the most charming, considerate man I've ever met.
tactful
I decided it wouldn't be tactful to order another beer.
unselfish
2 (adjective)
Definition
easily hurt
gentle cosmetics for sensitive skin
Synonyms
delicate
Although the material looks tough, it is very delicate.
tender
My tummy felt very tender.
fragile
The haircut emphasised her fragile beauty.
raw
the drag of the rope against the raw flesh of my shoulder
painful
Her glands were swollen and painful.
sore
My chest is still sore from the surgery.
easily damaged
3 (adjective)
Definition
responsive to external stimuli or impressions
My eyes are overly sensitive to bright light.
Synonyms
susceptible
He was unusually susceptible to flattery.
vulnerable
criminals who prey on the more vulnerable members of our society
responsive
reactive
sensitized
easily affected
4 (adjective)
Definition
easily offended or shocked
Young people are very sensitive about their appearance.
Synonyms
touchy
He is very touchy about his past.
defensive
She heard the blustering, defensive note in his voice.
paranoid
uptight (informal)
twitchy (informal)
chippy (informal)
thin-skinned
He is too thin-skinned to survive the presidential campaign.
oversensitive
easily upset
easily offended
hyper-sensitive
easily hurt
umbrageous (rare)
Opposites
tough
,
insensitive
,
callous
,
hard
,
hardened
,
uncaring
,
thick-skinned
,
unfeeling
5 (adjective)
Definition
(of a subject or issue) liable to arouse controversy or strong feelings
Employment is a very sensitive issue.
Synonyms
tricky
This could be a very tricky problem.
difficult
It was a very difficult decision to make.
delicate
the delicate issue of adoption
thorny
the thorny issue of immigration policy
touchy
a touchy subject
ticklish
the ticklish question of the future of the EU
6 (adjective)
Definition
connected with matters affecting national security
He instructed staff to shred sensitive documents.
Synonyms
secret
Soldiers have been training at a secret location.
private
He held a private meeting with the country's political party leaders.
confidential
She accused them of leaking confidential information.
classified
hush-hush (informal)
Though these meetings were hush-hush there were sometimes leaks.
7 (adjective)
Definition
(of an instrument) capable of registering small differences or changes in amounts
an extremely sensitive microscope
Synonyms
precise
fine
She has a fine eye for detail.
acute
His relaxed exterior hides an extremely acute mind.
keen
a keen eye for detail
responsive
perceptive
a very perceptive critique of Wordsworth
Opposites
imprecise
,
inexact
, approximate,
unperceptive
Additional synonyms
in the sense of acute
Definition
penetrating in perception or insight
His relaxed exterior hides an extremely acute mind.
Synonyms
perceptive,
sharp,
keen,
smart,
sensitive,
clever,
subtle,
piercing,
penetrating,
discriminating,
discerning,
ingenious,
astute,
intuitive,
canny,
incisive,
insightful,
observant,
perspicacious (formal),
on the ball (informal)
in the sense of attentive
Definition
considerately helpful
He is a wonderful host and is always attentive to his guests.
Synonyms
considerate,
kind,
civil,
devoted,
helpful,
obliging,
accommodating,
polite,
thoughtful,
gracious,
conscientious,
respectful,
courteous,
gallant
in the sense of confidential
Definition
spoken or given in confidence
She accused them of leaking confidential information.
Synonyms
secret,
private,
intimate,
classified,
privy (archaic),
off the record,
hush-hush (informal),
closed or closed source,
protected
Synonyms of 'sensitive'
sensitive
Explore 'sensitive' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of considerate
Definition
thoughtful towards other people
I think he's the most charming, considerate man I've ever met.
Synonyms
thoughtful,
kind,
kindly,
concerned,
obliging,
attentive,
mindful,
unselfish,
solicitous,
discreet,
circumspect,
tactful
in the sense of defensive
Definition
guarding against criticism or exposure of one's failings
She heard the blustering, defensive note in his voice.
Synonyms
oversensitive,
prickly,
uptight (informal),
thin-skinned,
self-justifying,
easily offended
in the sense of difficult
Definition
not easy to do, understand, or solve
It was a very difficult decision to make.
Synonyms
problematical,
involved,
complex,
complicated,
delicate,
obscure,
abstract,
baffling,
intricate,
perplexing,
thorny,
knotty,
abstruse,
ticklish,
enigmatical
in the sense of feeling
She is a very warm and feeling person.
Synonyms
caring,
understanding,
soft,
sensitive,
gentle,
tender,
sympathetic,
compassionate,
considerate
in the sense of fine
She has a fine eye for detail.
Synonyms
keen,
minute,
nice,
quick,
sharp,
critical,
acute,
sensitive,
subtle,
precise,
refined,
discriminating,
tenuous,
fastidious,
hairsplitting
in the sense of fragile
The haircut emphasised her fragile beauty.
Synonyms
delicate,
fine,
charming,
elegant,
neat,
exquisite,
graceful,
petite,
dainty
in the sense of hush-hush
Definition
(esp. of official work) secret and confidential
Though these meetings were hush-hush there were sometimes leaks.
Synonyms
secret,
confidential,
classified,
top-secret,
restricted,
under wraps
in the sense of keen
Definition
(of sight, smell, or hearing) capable of recognizing fine distinctions
a keen eye for detail
Synonyms
penetrating,
clear,
powerful,
sharp,
acute,
sensitive,
piercing,
discerning,
perceptive,
observant
in the sense of kind
Definition
considerate, friendly, and helpful
He was a very kind man, full of common sense.
Synonyms
considerate,
good,
loving,
kindly,
understanding,
concerned,
friendly,
neighbourly,
gentle,
generous,
mild,
obliging,
sympathetic,
charitable,
thoughtful,
benign,
humane,
affectionate,
compassionate,
clement,
gracious,
indulgent,
benevolent,
attentive,
amiable,
courteous,
amicable,
lenient,
cordial,
congenial,
philanthropic,
unselfish,
propitious,
beneficent,
kind-hearted,
bounteous,
tender-hearted
in the sense of kindly
Definition
having a warm-hearted and caring nature
He was a stern critic but an extremely kindly man.
Synonyms
benevolent,
kind,
caring,
nice,
warm,
gentle,
helpful,
pleasant,
mild,
sympathetic,
beneficial,
polite,
favourable,
benign,
humane,
compassionate,
hearty,
cordial,
considerate,
genial,
affable,
good-natured,
beneficent,
well-disposed,
kind-hearted,
warm-hearted
Additional synonyms
in the sense of painful
Definition
affected with pain
Her glands were swollen and painful.
Synonyms
sore,
hurting,
smarting,
aching,
raw,
tender,
throbbing,
inflamed,
excruciating
in the sense of perceptive
Definition
observant
a very perceptive critique of Wordsworth
Synonyms
observant,
acute,
intelligent,
discerning,
quick,
aware,
sharp,
sensitive,
alert,
penetrating,
discriminating,
shrewd,
responsive,
astute,
intuitive,
insightful,
percipient,
perspicacious (formal)
in the sense of private
Definition
confidential or secret
He held a private meeting with the country's political party leaders.
Synonyms
secret,
confidential,
covert,
inside,
closet,
unofficial,
privy (archaic),
clandestine,
off the record,
hush-hush (informal),
in camera
in the sense of raw
Definition
(of the skin or a wound) painful, with the surface scraped away
the drag of the rope against the raw flesh of my shoulder
Synonyms
sore,
open,
skinned,
sensitive,
tender,
scratched,
grazed,
chafed,
abraded
in the sense of receptive
The patient was not at all receptive to treatment.
Synonyms
responsive,
sensitive
in the sense of responsive
Definition
reacting quickly or favourably to something
Synonyms
sensitive,
open,
aware,
sharp,
alive,
forthcoming,
sympathetic,
awake,
susceptible,
receptive,
reactive,
perceptive,
impressionable,
quick to react
in the sense of sore
Definition
(of a wound, injury, etc.) painfully sensitive
My chest is still sore from the surgery.
Synonyms
painful,
smarting,
raw,
tender,
burning,
angry,
sensitive,
irritated,
inflamed,
chafed,
reddened
in the sense of tactful
I decided it wouldn't be tactful to order another beer.
Synonyms
diplomatic,
politic,
discreet,
prudent,
understanding,
sensitive,
polished,
careful,
subtle,
delicate,
polite,
thoughtful,
perceptive,
considerate,
judicious,
treating with kid gloves
in the sense of tender
Definition
painful when touched
My tummy felt very tender.
Synonyms
sensitive,
painful,
sore,
smarting,
raw,
bruised,
irritated,
aching,
inflamed
in the sense of thin-skinned
Definition
sensitive to criticism or hints
He is too thin-skinned to survive the presidential campaign.
Synonyms
sensitive,
vulnerable,
easily hurt,
touchy,
soft,
tender,
susceptible,
chippy (informal),
hypersensitive,
quick to take offence
Additional synonyms
in the sense of thorny
Definition
difficult or unpleasant
the thorny issue of immigration policy
Synonyms
troublesome,
difficult,
problematic(al),
trying,
hard,
worrying,
tough,
upsetting,
awkward,
unpleasant,
sticky (informal),
harassing,
irksome,
ticklish,
vexatious
in the sense of ticklish
Definition
delicate or difficult
the ticklish question of the future of the EU
Synonyms
difficult,
sensitive,
delicate,
tricky,
nice,
critical,
uncertain,
awkward,
risky,
unstable,
thorny,
touchy,
unsteady
in the sense of understanding
Definition
kind, sympathetic, or tolerant towards people
Her boss, who was very understanding, gave her time off.
Synonyms
sympathetic,
kind,
compassionate,
considerate,
kindly,
accepting,
patient,
sensitive,
forgiving,
discerning,
tolerant,
responsive,
perceptive,
forbearing
in the sense of vulnerable
Definition
able to be physically or emotionally hurt
criminals who prey on the more vulnerable members of our society