Sensibility: meaning, definitions and examples
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sensibility
[ˌsɛnsəˈbɪlɪti ]
Definitions
emotional intelligence
The ability to understand and feel emotions, to be sensitive and empathetic towards others.
Synonyms
awareness, empathy, sensitivity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sensibility |
Sensibility refers to the ability to appreciate and respond to complex emotional or aesthetic influences. It is often used in the context of art, literature, and culture.
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| empathy |
Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person's feelings or experiences. It is commonly used in social, therapeutic, or interpersonal contexts.
|
| sensitivity |
Sensitivity refers to the quality of being easily affected by external influences, emotionally or physically. It can have both positive and negative connotations, such as being considerate or overly reactive.
|
| awareness |
Awareness is the state of being conscious or knowledgeable about something. It mostly applies to both general and specific knowledge of events, conditions, or facts.
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Examples of usage
- She showed great sensibility towards the feelings of her friends.
- His sensibility allowed him to connect with people on a deeper level.
literature
The capacity to appreciate and respond to beauty, art, and emotional experiences.
Synonyms
aesthetic appreciation, discernment, taste.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sensibility |
Used to describe a person's ability to appreciate or be sensitive to complex emotional or aesthetic influences.
|
| aesthetic appreciation |
Applied when referring to the recognition and admiration of beauty, especially in the arts.
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| taste |
Refers to a person's ability to distinguish and enjoy things of good quality, often related to personal or cultural preferences in art, food, style, etc.
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| discernment |
Refers to the ability to make good judgments, particularly in regard to subtle differences or complicated concepts. It often carries a mature and wise connotation.
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Examples of usage
- Her sensibility as a writer was evident in her poetic descriptions.
- The novel captured the sensibility of the era with its rich language and vivid imagery.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'sensibilis', meaning 'able to be felt or perceived'.
- It evolved in the 18th century, originally focusing on responses to art and emotions.
- Since then, its meaning has broadened to include emotional intelligence and empathy.
Literature
- The concept plays a key role in Romantic literature, focusing on emotion and individual experience.
- Writers like Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë highlighted sensibility in their characters, often contrasting it with rationality.
- The 'Cult of Sensibility' movement in the 18th century celebrated heightened emotional awareness and its expression in literature.
Philosophy
- Philosophers like David Hume defined sensibility as an essential component of human nature, influencing moral judgments.
- Immanuel Kant discussed it as part of his theories on aesthetics and beauty, emphasizing how feelings shape our perception of art.
- The discussion around sensibility has influenced modern debates on ethics, especially in understanding compassion.
Psychology
- In psychology, sensibility can relate to emotional intelligence, which is about understanding emotions and using them to guide thinking.
- Studies show that people with high levels of emotional sensitivity often exhibit stronger social skills and empathy.
- Sensibility is linked to mental health, as being in tune with one’s emotions can lead to better emotional regulation.
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, high sensibility is revered, seen as a sign of deep understanding and connection to others.
- Conversely, in societies valuing stoicism, being overly sensitive may be viewed as a weakness.
- Art and music often reflect cultural attitudes towards sensibility, either embracing or challenging emotional expression.
Translations
Translations of the word "sensibility" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sensibilidade
🇮🇳 संवेदनशीलता
🇩🇪 Sensibilität
🇮🇩 kepekaan
🇺🇦 чутливість
🇵🇱 wrażliwość
🇯🇵 感受性 (かんじゅせい)
🇫🇷 sensibilité
🇪🇸 sensibilidad
🇹🇷 hassasiyet
🇰🇷 민감성
🇸🇦 حساسية
🇨🇿 citlivost
🇸🇰 citlivosť
🇨🇳 敏感性
🇸🇮 občutljivost
🇮🇸 næmi
🇰🇿 сезімталдық
🇬🇪 მგრძნობელობა
🇦🇿 həssaslıq
🇲🇽 sensibilidad