Sensibly: meaning, definitions and examples

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sensibly

[ˈsɛnsɪbli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a reasonable and logical manner

Sensibly means in a way that shows good judgment and practicality. It implies making decisions or taking actions based on sound reasoning and common sense. Being sensible often involves weighing the pros and cons of a situation before acting.

Synonyms

logically, prudently, reasonably, wisely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sensibly	Useful for situations requiring moderation and avoidance of extremes. Often used when making decisions that involve practicality. She dressed sensibly for the cold weather He exercised sensibly to avoid injury
reasonably	Used when describing actions or decisions that are fair and moderate, often in negotiations or discussions. It denotes a balanced and fair judgment. They settled the dispute reasonably The teacher expected the students to finish their homework in a reasonably timely manner
logically	Refers to situations that require clear and rational thinking. It is often used in academic or technical discussions where structured reasoning is important. She solved the math problem logically The detective pieced together the clues logically
prudently	Appropriate for situations requiring careful consideration and foresight, often involving financial or risk-related decisions. There's a cautious and sometimes conservative tone. He invested his money prudently She prudently avoided going into debt
wisely	Ideal for situations that involve deep thought, experience, and good judgment. It often carries a sense of mature decision-making. He wisely chose to save his money She wisely advised her friends to stay out of trouble

Examples of usage

She sensibly decided to save money for a rainy day.
He sensibly chose to study for the exam rather than go out partying.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

with sensitivity or awareness

In another sense, sensibly can also mean with sensitivity or awareness. It implies being attuned to the feelings and needs of others, showing empathy and understanding.

Synonyms

considerately, empathetically, sensitively, thoughtfully.

Examples of usage

She spoke to him sensibly, taking his feelings into account.
He sensibly handled the situation with care and compassion.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'sensibilis', meaning 'able to be perceived', indicating a connection to perception and reason.
It entered the English language around the 15th century, evolving from 'sensible' which means 'having good sense'.
The suffix '-ly' transforms adjectives into adverbs, allowing us to describe actions performed in a sensible manner.

Psychology

Research suggests that making sensible decisions often involves both rational thought and emotional understanding.
People who act sensibly tend to be more resilient to stress, as they approach problems with a clear and level-headed mindset.
Sensible decision-making is linked to better life outcomes, as it promotes planning and foresight.

Literature

Many literary characters who display sensible behavior are often portrayed as the voice of reason, helping to guide others towards better choices.
Classical literature often contrasts sensible characters with impulsive ones, emphasizing the virtues of thoughtfulness and pragmatism.
In modern stories, sensibility is often associated with characters who balance emotion with logic, making them relatable and trustworthy.

Sociocultural Perspectives

Different cultures define sensible behavior based on their values, such as community well-being versus individual success.
In many societies, being sensible is admired and taught from a young age, often through stories and sayings.
Sensible actions can sometimes clash with cultural norms, leading to interesting discussions about what is considered 'wise' in varying contexts.

Translations

Translations of the word "sensibly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sensatamente

🇮🇳 समझदारी से

🇩🇪 vernünftig

🇮🇩 dengan bijaksana

🇺🇦 розумно

🇵🇱 rozsądnie

🇯🇵 賢明に (けんめいに)

🇫🇷 raisonnablement

🇪🇸 sensatamente

🇹🇷 makul bir şekilde

🇰🇷 현명하게

🇸🇦 بعقلانية

🇨🇿 rozumně

🇸🇰 rozumne

🇨🇳 明智地 (míngzhì dì)

🇸🇮 smiselno

🇮🇸 skynsamlega

🇰🇿 ақылмен

🇬🇪 გონივრულად (gonivrulad)

🇦🇿 ağıllı şəkildə

🇲🇽 sensatamente

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,392, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14389 rigorously
14390 distract
14391 inflexible
14392 sensibly
14393 eruptions
14394 squeezing
14395 chaired
...