Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Easily affected or influenced by something: Reacting quickly or strongly to physical stimuli, conditions, or changes.
   • Aware of and responsive to the feelings of others: Showing understanding or care for the emotions and situations of people.
   • Easily hurt or offended: Having feelings that are easily upset or damaged.
   • Requiring careful or tactful handling: Relating to matters that are delicate, confidential, or likely to cause disagreement.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • She has very sensitive skin that gets sunburned easily.
  • He is sensitive to criticism and often gets upset.
  • A good teacher is sensitive to the needs of each student.
  • This is a sensitive issue that we must discuss privately.

Advanced Usage

• "sensitive to": Reacting to a particular thing.
  • The equipment is highly sensitive to changes in temperature.
• "sensitive about": Feeling easily upset or defensive concerning a particular topic.
  • He is very sensitive about his height.
• "sensitive information": Confidential or classified data that must be protected.
  • Only authorized personnel can access sensitive information.

Variants and Related Words

• Sensitivity (n): The quality or state of being sensitive.
  • The sensitivity of the microphone is excellent.
• Sensitively (adv): In a sensitive manner.
  • She handled the complaint very sensitively.
• Hypersensitive (adj): Extremely or excessively sensitive.
  • He is hypersensitive to pollen.

Synonyms

• Responsive: Reacting quickly and positively.
• Perceptive: Having or showing insight and understanding.
• Delicate: Requiring careful handling.
• Touchy: Easily upset or offended.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically conveyed with prepositions like "to" or "about," as shown in the Advanced Usage section.)

Related Idioms

• A sensitive soul: A person who is very easily affected by emotions or the feelings of others.
  • As a poet, she was always a sensitive soul.
• Handle/Tread with sensitivity: To deal with a situation very carefully because it is delicate.
  • The news of the layoffs must be handled with great sensitivity.

Adjective

1. of or pertaining to classified information or matters affecting national security
2. hurting
   • the tender spot on his jaw
3. able to feel or perceive
   • even amoeba are sensible creatures
   • the more sensible parts of the skin
4. being susceptible to the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others
   • sensitive to the local community and its needs
5. responsive to physical stimuli
   • a mimosa's leaves are sensitive to touch
   • a sensitive voltmeter
   • sensitive skin
   • sensitive to light

Noun

1. someone who serves as an intermediary between the living and the dead
   • he consulted several mediums