Sensation: meaning, definitions and examples

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sensation

[sɛnˈseɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

A sensation is a physical feeling or perception resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body. It can also refer to a widespread reaction of interest or excitement.

Synonyms

emotion, excitement, feeling, perception.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sensation	Use to describe a physical feeling caused by something that happens to your body, or a widespread reaction of interest or excitement. She felt a tingling sensation in her fingers. The news caused a sensation across the country.
feeling	Use to describe an emotional state or reaction, which can be either physical or emotional. It's a very general term. I have a feeling that something good is going to happen. He couldn't hide his feelings of disappointment.
perception	Use to describe the way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted. Often relates to mental rather than physical senses. Her perception of the situation was very different from mine. Public perception of the politician began to change over time.
emotion	Use to describe a strong feeling derived from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others. Often refers to feelings that are strong and manifest outwardly. His voice was full of emotion as he spoke. She tried to control her emotions during the funeral.
excitement	Use to describe a feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness. Often used for positive, thrilling, or anticipatory situations. The excitement in the air was palpable before the concert began. The children were full of excitement on Christmas morning.

Examples of usage

The sensation of warmth from the sun on her skin was comforting.
The news of his victory caused a sensation among the crowd.
The new movie created a sensation in the entertainment industry.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

medical

In medical terms, sensation refers to the ability to detect stimuli, such as touch, temperature, or pain, through sensory organs.

Synonyms

awareness, perception, sensitivity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sensation	Used to describe a physical feeling or experience resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body. The sensation of the cold water was refreshing He felt a strange sensation in his arm
perception	Used to describe the way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted, often involving a deeper cognitive process. His perception of the event changed after he heard both sides of the story The artist's work challenges our perception of reality
awareness	Used to describe the knowledge or understanding of a particular situation or fact. She had a growing awareness of the issues Environmental awareness is crucial for sustainability
sensitivity	Used to describe the ability to perceive or respond to stimuli, and also emotional receptiveness or the ability to understand others' feelings. She showed great sensitivity to his feelings The patient's skin displayed sensitivity to light

Examples of usage

The doctor tested the patient's sensation by pricking his finger with a pin.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'sensus,' which means feeling or sense, connecting it to our experience of the world.
In the 17th century, 'sensation' was used specifically in scientific contexts related to physical perception.

Science

Sensation is a key first step in perception, which helps our brains understand the world around us.
Different types of sensations are processed by various receptors – touch, taste, sound, sight, and smell – making each experience unique.
Pain is also classified as a sensation; it acts as a warning system for our body to prevent harm.

Psychology

In psychological studies, sensations can trigger emotions and memories, explaining why certain smells can remind you of childhood.
The phenomenon of synesthesia allows some people to experience a blending of senses, such as seeing colors with sounds, leading to unique sensations.

Pop Culture

Songs, movies, and books often focus on 'sensational' experiences to evoke strong emotional responses from audiences, emphasizing the power of sensation.
The term 'sensation' is commonly used in media to describe viral trends that capture public attention.

Art

Many artistic movements, like Impressionism, attempt to capture sensations of light and color rather than detailed realism.
Art can also play with our senses, using textures and forms to create tactile sensations that enhance the viewing experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "sensation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sensação

🇮🇳 अनुभूति

🇩🇪 Empfindung

🇮🇩 sensasi

🇺🇦 відчуття

🇵🇱 sensation

🇯🇵 感覚 (kankaku)

🇫🇷 sensation

🇪🇸 sensación

🇹🇷 duygu

🇰🇷 감각 (gamgak)

🇸🇦 إحساس (ihsas)

🇨🇿 pocit

🇸🇰 pocit

🇨🇳 感觉 (gǎnjué)

🇸🇮 občutek

🇮🇸 tilfinning

🇰🇿 сезім

🇬🇪 გრძნობა (grznoba)

🇦🇿 hiss

🇲🇽 sensación

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,173 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5170 prediction
5171 allies
5172 socialist
5173 sensation
5174 invariably
5175 keen
5176 vague
...