Definition & Meaning of “Sensitivity”
- Term: Sensitivity
- Pronunciation: /ˌsɛn.sɪˈtɪv.ə.ti/
- Part of Speech: Noun
- Meaning: The quality of being aware of and responsive to the feelings of others (emotional sensitivity) or of being easily affected by external factors (physical sensitivity).
Grammatical Formation
- Base Noun: sensitivity
- Adjective: sensitive (/ˈsɛn.sɪ.tɪv/)
- Adverb: sensitively (/ˈsɛn.sɪ.tɪv.li/)
- Verb (rare): sensitize (/ˈsɛn.sɪˌtaɪz/)
Usage Examples:
- Her sensitivity to criticism made her a thoughtful writer.
- He’s sensitive to loud noises and wears earplugs.
Synonyms
awareness, empathy, receptiveness, responsiveness, delicacy
Antonyms
insensitivity, indifference, callousness, toughness, hardness
Related Terms
empathy, compassion, emotional intelligence, physical sensitivity, tact, receptivity
Simple Explanation
Sensitivity means noticing and caring about others’ feelings or being easily affected by things around you.
Common Collocations
- emotional sensitivity
- cultural sensitivity
- sensitivity to criticism
- sensitivity training
- physical sensitivity
Idiomatic Usage & Contexts
- “Wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve” – show emotional sensitivity openly
- “Thin-skinned” – overly sensitive to criticism
- “Touchy-feely” – emotionally sensitive or affectionate
Contexts:
- Workplace (“Cultural sensitivity is key in international teams.”)
- Relationships (“His sensitivity made him a good listener.”)
- Health (“She has skin sensitivity to certain fabrics.”)
- Personal growth (“Sensitivity training improved our communication.”)
Sample Sentences
- Her sensitivity to her partner’s needs strengthened their bond.
- Doctors must show sensitivity when delivering bad news.
- He lost the race but reacted with surprising sensitivity to fans’ cheers.
- Allergy sufferers often have heightened skin sensitivity.
- Sensitivity to irony can make someone a sharp critic.
Does ‘Sensitivity’ Have Any Relationship to Sexuality?
Yes. Emotional sensitivity enhances sexual intimacy by fostering empathy, trust, and responsiveness to a partner’s needs. Physical sensitivity can also affect sexual pleasure and comfort, making awareness of one’s own and a partner’s sensitivities important for consensual and enjoyable experiences.
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