Sensitivity: meaning, definitions and examples

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sensitivity

[ˌsɛnsəˈtɪvɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical

The quality or condition of being sensitive. Sensitivity is the ability to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences. It can refer to a heightened awareness or responsiveness to emotions, feelings, or stimuli.

Synonyms

awareness, responsiveness, susceptibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sensitivity	Use this word when referring to the ability to perceive or respond to stimuli or emotions. It can be used both physically (like skin sensitivity) and emotionally. The sensitivity of her skin makes her prone to allergic reactions. He showed great sensitivity when dealing with her grief.
susceptibility	Use this word when referring to how easily someone or something is affected by external factors. It often has a negative connotation, implying a weakness or vulnerability. His susceptibility to colds is due to a weak immune system. The plant's susceptibility to drought is a major concern.
responsiveness	This word is appropriate when focusing on the ability to respond quickly and positively. It often implies an active and timely reaction. Customer service should exhibit high responsiveness to inquiries. The software's responsiveness to user input is impressive.
awareness	This word is best used when talking about the knowledge or perception of a situation or fact. It does not usually imply an emotional response. Raising awareness about climate change is crucial. She has a strong awareness of her surroundings.

Examples of usage

Sensitivity to light can be a symptom of certain eye conditions.
Patients with allergies often have heightened sensitivity to certain substances.
She has a great sensitivity to the needs of others.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

social

The quality of being aware of and responsive to the feelings of others. Sensitivity in a social context involves empathy, compassion, and understanding towards others' emotions.

Synonyms

compassion, empathy, understanding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sensitivity	Use in situations where awareness and responsiveness to emotions or situations is required. It can refer to both positive and negative aspects. It implies being easily affected by others' emotions or external factors. His sensitivity to loud noises made him uncomfortable at the concert She showed great sensitivity to her friend's feelings after the loss
empathy	Implies the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves putting oneself in someone else's shoes. It is a positive attribute and is important in forming strong personal connections. She could feel his pain because of her strong empathy The teacher's empathy helped her understand the challenges her students faced
compassion	Related to showing deep sympathy and concern for others' suffering. It often involves a desire to help or alleviate the pain. It's seen as a very positive quality. Her compassion for the homeless led her to volunteer at the shelter The doctor treated his patients with great compassion
understanding	Refers to the ability to comprehend situations, feelings, or facts. It can be used more broadly than empathy, as it doesn't necessarily involve sharing the same feelings but rather acknowledging them. His understanding of her situation allowed him to support her in the right way They discussed their issues with a mutual understanding that improved their relationship

Examples of usage

Having sensitivity towards different cultural backgrounds is important in a diverse workplace.
His sensitivity to the struggles of others makes him a great counselor.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

general

The tendency to become upset or offended easily. Sensitivity can also refer to a person's delicate emotional state or vulnerability.

Synonyms

fragility, tenderness, vulnerability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sensitivity	Use this word when talking about someone who is easily affected by emotions, feelings, or has an acute perception of things around them. It can also refer to someone's ability to understand and respond to the feelings of others. It is often used in both positive and neutral contexts. She showed great sensitivity to her friend's needs The equipment's sensitivity allowed it to detect even the smallest changes
tenderness	This word is most appropriate for describing gentle, kind, and caring feelings or actions. It can refer to a physical feeling, such as soreness, but more commonly it refers to emotional warmth and affection. The tenderness in her voice was comforting After the surgery, he experienced tenderness in the affected area
fragility	This word is best used when referring to something that can easily break or is delicate. It can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional or mental states that are easily disrupted or harmed. It often has a slightly negative connotation because it implies weakness. The fragility of the antique vase made it hard to transport After the accident, he could sense the fragility in his mental state
vulnerability	This word should be used when referring to a state of being open to attack, harm, damage, or emotional hurt. It often carries a negative connotation as it implies being exposed and potentially defenseless. Her vulnerability made her a target for manipulation The vulnerability of the security system was a major concern

Examples of usage

She has a sensitivity to criticism and takes things personally.
His sensitivity to loud noises is due to his sensory processing disorder.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originated from the Latin 'sensitivus', meaning 'able to perceive' or 'sensitive'.
It entered the English language in the early 17th century, highlighting its roots in the concept of sensing.
The suffix '-ity' indicates a state or condition, transforming 'sensitive' into a noun that describes the quality of being sensitive.

Psychology

Highly sensitive individuals may experience emotions more intensely and are often more empathetic, according to studies on sensory processing sensitivity.
Being sensitive is not just about feeling emotions, but also involves deeper cognitive processing of experiences and stimuli.
Research suggests that sensitivity can be a trait linked to creativity and artistic expression, as it allows for richer emotional experiences.

Cultural Perspectives

Many cultures honor sensitivity as a strength, promoting concepts like emotional intelligence and compassion.
In some Eastern philosophies, being sensitive is connected to mindfulness, the practice of being present to one’s feelings and the world.
Conversely, other societies may prioritize stoicism, viewing excessive sensitivity as a weakness rather than a trait to be nurtured.

Art and Literature

Many poets and writers celebrate sensitivity, portraying it as a way to connect deeply with nature and human experience.
Novels often feature sensitive characters who navigate their emotions and relationships with complexity, influencing readers' empathy.
Art movements, like Romanticism, prized emotional depth and personal expression, showcasing sensitivity as a source of creativity.

Science

In biological contexts, sensitivity refers to how organisms respond to environmental changes, important for survival.
Sensory receptors in our bodies help us detect changes in temperature, light, and pressure, illustrating the physical aspect of sensitivity.
Studies in neuroscience explore how the brain processes emotional sensitivity, revealing the intricate networks involved in our emotional lives.

Translations

Translations of the word "sensitivity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sensibilidade

🇮🇳 संवेदनशीलता

🇩🇪 Empfindlichkeit

🇮🇩 kepekaan

🇺🇦 чутливість

🇵🇱 czułość

🇯🇵 感度 (かんど)

🇫🇷 sensibilité

🇪🇸 sensibilidad

🇹🇷 hassasiyet

🇰🇷 민감도

🇸🇦 حساسية

🇨🇿 citlivost

🇸🇰 citlivosť

🇨🇳 敏感度 (mǐngǎndù)

🇸🇮 občutljivost

🇮🇸 næmi

🇰🇿 сезімталдық

🇬🇪 გრძნობეულობა

🇦🇿 həssaslıq

🇲🇽 sensibilidad

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,616, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3614 camera
3615 termination
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3617 disappeared
3618 protest
3619 shorter
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