sensitivity

/,sensi'tiviti/

Thân thiện

A scientist adjusts the galvanometer's sensitivity to measure a tiny electrical current.

Definition

Noun 1. The quality or state of being sensitive. * Capacity for feeling or perception: The ability to detect, perceive, or be aware of subtle differences, changes, or stimuli, whether physical, emotional, or social. * Responsiveness to stimuli: The degree to which something (e.g., an instrument, an organism, a system) reacts to a physical stimulus or change in condition. * Easily affected or offended: The tendency to be easily hurt, upset, or influenced by external factors or the feelings of others.

Examples of Usage

• Physical/Technical Sensitivity:
  • The sensitivity of the microphone allows it to pick up even a whisper.
  • This test has a high sensitivity for detecting the virus early.
• Emotional/Social Sensitivity:
  • She handled the difficult conversation with great sensitivity and tact.
  • His sensitivity to criticism makes him reluctant to share his work.
• Physiological Sensitivity:
  • Patients with this condition experience increased sensitivity to light and sound.
  • The sensitivity of our skin to temperature helps protect us.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a sensitivity to something": To have a physical reaction or intolerance to a specific substance.
  • I have a sensitivity to gluten, so I avoid wheat products.
• "With sensitivity": In a careful and considerate manner, showing awareness of others' feelings.
  • The topic was addressed with great sensitivity.

Variants and Related Words

• Sensitive (Adjective):
  • A sensitive instrument; a sensitive issue; a sensitive person.
• Sensitize (Verb): To make sensitive or aware.
  • The training aimed to sensitize staff to cultural differences.
• Hypersensitivity (Noun): An exaggerated or extreme sensitivity.
  • An allergic reaction is a form of hypersensitivity.

Synonyms

• Responsiveness (especially to stimuli)
• Receptiveness
• Susceptibility (especially to being affected)
• Tact (in social/emotional contexts)
• Delicacy

Antonyms

• Insensitivity
• Numbness
• Callousness
• Imperviousness

Related Phrases

• Sensitivity analysis: A study of how the uncertainty in a model's output can be attributed to different sources of uncertainty in its inputs.
  • A sensitivity analysis was performed on the financial model.
• Sensitivity training: Training designed to develop awareness of one's own and others' feelings and attitudes.
  • The company requires sensitivity training for all managers.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the ability to respond to affective changes in your interpersonal environment
2. susceptibility to a pathogen
3. sensitivity to emotional feelings (of self and others)
4. the ability to respond to physical stimuli or to register small physical amounts or differences
   • a galvanometer of extreme sensitivity
   • the sensitiveness of Mimosa leaves does not depend on a change of growth
5. (physiology) responsiveness to external stimuli; the faculty of sensation
   • sensitivity to pain

Từ đồng nghĩa

• sensitiveness
• predisposition
• sensibility