Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Unduly sensitive or thin-skinned: Reacting too strongly or being too easily upset by things that are said or done, often more than is reasonable or appropriate.

Usage

The word "oversensitive" describes a person or their reactions. It is used to indicate that someone's sensitivity is excessive or disproportionate to the situation. It often carries a slightly critical or negative connotation, suggesting the person should be less easily offended or hurt.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • He is so oversensitive that he gets offended by the smallest jokes.
  • Her oversensitive nature makes it difficult to give her constructive feedback.
  • The sensor was oversensitive and triggered the alarm with the slightest movement.

Advanced Usage

• "to be oversensitive to criticism": to react too strongly or defensively to critical comments.
  • As an artist, she learned not to be oversensitive to criticism from reviewers.
• "oversensitive about one's appearance": to be excessively worried or hurt by comments regarding how one looks.
  • He became oversensitive about his appearance after the rude remarks.

Variants and Related Words

• Oversensitivity (n): The quality or state of being oversensitive.
  • His oversensitivity to noise made living in the city challenging.

Synonyms

• Thin-skinned: Easily upset by criticism or insults.
• Hypersensitive: Extremely or abnormally sensitive.
• Touchy: Easily offended or upset.

Antonyms

• Thick-skinned: Not easily upset by criticism or insults.
• Insensitive: Showing or feeling no concern for others' feelings.
• Stoic: Enduring pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaining.

Related Phrases

• Have a thin skin: To be easily offended or upset.
  • In politics, you can't afford to have a thin skin.
• Take something to heart: To be deeply affected or upset by something.
  • She tends to take casual comments to heart, which shows she can be oversensitive.

Adjective

1. unduly sensitive or thin-skinned