Insensate: meaning, definitions and examples

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insensate

 

[ ɪnˈsɛnseɪt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

lacking feeling

Insensate refers to a state of being without sensation or awareness. It can also describe a person or thing that is unfeeling or lacking in empathy, often used in contexts that highlight cruelty or indifference.

Synonyms

inanimate, insensitive, unfeeling

Examples of usage

  • The insensate cruelty of the actions shocked everyone.
  • He remained insensate to her suffering, focusing only on his own needs.
Context #2 | Adjective

unthinking

In a different context, insensate can describe actions taken without thought or reason, often implying a degree of mindlessness or lack of consideration.

Synonyms

irrational, mindless, thoughtless

Examples of usage

  • The insensate rush to judgment was regrettable.
  • In his insensate quest for power, he harmed many.

Translations

Translations of the word "insensate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insensato

🇮🇳 असंवेदनशील

🇩🇪 unempfindlich

🇮🇩 tak peka

🇺🇦 недоумкуватий

🇵🇱 bezmyślny

🇯🇵 無感覚な

🇫🇷 insensé

🇪🇸 insensato

🇹🇷 düşüncesiz

🇰🇷 무감각한

🇸🇦 عديم الإحساس

🇨🇿 bezduchý

🇸🇰 bezduchý

🇨🇳 无知的

🇸🇮 nečuten

🇮🇸 huglaust

🇰🇿 сезімтал емес

🇬🇪 უსიამოვნო

🇦🇿 hissiz

🇲🇽 insensato

Word origin

The word 'insensate' comes from the Latin term 'insensatus', which is formed from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not', and 'sensatus', which means 'sensible' or 'sensitive'. The root 'sensis' is related to the sense of feeling or perception. The term has been used in English since the 15th century, primarily to describe a lack of awareness or feeling. Its evolvement in literature often centers around themes of morality or the human condition, highlighting the stark contrasts between those who feel deeply and those who are indifferent or unresponsive to the feelings of others. Over the centuries, the term has also been employed in philosophical discussions about ethics and the nature of humanity, thereby enriching its usage within modern contexts.