Sensibility Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ญ
sensibility
[หsษnsษหbษชlษชti ]
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- The concept plays a key role in Romantic literature, focusing on emotion and individual experience.
- Writers like Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontรซ 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 oneโs 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.
Origin of 'sensibility'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'sensibility' originated in the late 18th century from the Latin word 'sensibilitas', meaning 'capacity for sensation or feeling'. It was first used in English to describe the ability to perceive and respond to emotions or external stimuli. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including emotional intelligence and aesthetic appreciation.
See also: desensitized, hypersensitivity, insensibility, insensible, insensitive, nonsense, nonsensical, nonsensically, sensation, sensational, sensations, sense, senseless, senselessly, sensible, sensibly, sensitive, sensitivity, sensor, sensory, sensual, sensuous.