Sensory: meaning, definitions and examples

👀

Add to dictionary

sensory

[ˈsɛnsəri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

perception

Relating to the senses or sensation. Involving or derived from the senses. Sensory experiences are those that involve any of the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.

Synonyms

perceptual, sensational, sensual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sensory	This term is repeated, so it has the same context and examples as previously provided.
perceptual	Refers to the process of interpreting sensory information to understand the environment. Typically used in psychology, cognitive science, or neuroscience. Perceptual learning helps us become more accurate in our judgments over time. The experiment aimed to measure perceptual differences among various age groups.
sensual	Relates to physical pleasure derived from the senses, often connected to eroticism or romance. Used in literature, arts, and lifestyle contexts. The room was decorated in a very sensual style, with deep colors and soft fabrics. Their dance was full of sensual movements that captivated the audience.
sensational	Often used to describe something that causes great public interest and excitement. Common in media, entertainment, or marketing. Can have a slightly negative connotation if it refers to exaggerated or superficial appeal. The news report was criticized for being sensational rather than factual. The concert was a sensational success, attracting fans from all over the country.

Examples of usage

Sensory information is crucial for our perception of the world.
The sensory input from the environment helps us navigate and interact with our surroundings.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

technology

A device or system that detects or measures physical properties and transmits signals to the brain. Sensory devices are used in various fields such as healthcare, robotics, and virtual reality.

Synonyms

detector, instrument, sensor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sensory	Repeated entry, see initial sensory description.
detector	Use when referring to a device or tool that identifies or discovers the presence of something, such as smoke, motion, or radiation. The smoke detector went off in the kitchen.
sensor	Use when referring to a device that detects and responds to certain types of input from the physical environment, like temperature, light, or pressure. The car’s parking sensor helps prevent collisions.
instrument	Use when referring to a tool or device designed for a particular function, often scientific, medical, or musical. The doctor used a special instrument to examine the patient's eyes. He is learning to play a new musical instrument.

Examples of usage

The robot is equipped with sensory technology to detect obstacles in its path.
Sensory feedback systems are essential for virtual reality gaming.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'sensorius', meaning 'of sense', closely related to 'sensus', which means 'feeling'.
Initially created in the 15th century, it has evolved to include various meanings in modern contexts.

Psychology

Sensory integration theory, developed by Dr. Jean Ayres, emphasizes how the brain processes information from different senses to help children learn and function.
Sensory overload occurs when one or more of the senses are overwhelmed by too much stimulus, which can affect mood and behavior.

Science

In neuroscience, sensory neurons carry signals from sensory organs (like eyes and ears) to the brain, enabling perception and response.
Research shows that reaction times can vary based on the type of sensory input received, highlighting the complexity of our responses.

Art and Literature

Writers often use sensory descriptions to engage readers, helping them visualize and feel the experience depicted in stories.
Sensory art installations prioritize immersive experiences, allowing viewers to engage their senses beyond just sight.

Pop Culture

The concept of sensory experiences is popular in wellness trends, emphasizing mindfulness and the enjoyment of meditation through heightened awareness.
Virtual reality technology aims to create fully immersive sensory experiences by engaging sight, sound, and sometimes touch in gaming and training.

Translations

Translations of the word "sensory" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sensorial

🇮🇳 संवेदी

🇩🇪 sensorisch

🇮🇩 sensorik

🇺🇦 сенсорний

🇵🇱 sensoryczny

🇯🇵 感覚の (かんかくの)

🇫🇷 sensoriel

🇪🇸 sensorial

🇹🇷 duyusal

🇰🇷 감각의 (감각적)

🇸🇦 حسي

🇨🇿 senzorický

🇸🇰 senzorický

🇨🇳 感官的 (gǎnguān de)

🇸🇮 senzoričen

🇮🇸 skynjun

🇰🇿 сезімдік

🇬🇪 სენსორული

🇦🇿 sensorlu

🇲🇽 sensorial

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,827 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5824 perceptions
5825 prey
5826 manifested
5827 sensory
5828 combining
5829 efficiently
5830 strata
...