Reading Theme:
Sensation: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：cause great excitement (sensation)
sensation
/sɛnˈseɪʃən/
n.
Something or someone that causes great excitement, surprise, or interest among a lot of people.
cause great excitement
➕
/kɔːz ɡreɪt ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/
n.
Refers to a person, event, or thing that generates widespread interest and excitement among many people.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'sentire' (to feel), via Old French 'sensation'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'sense' + 'ation' – a sensation is something you sense with your senses.
📖 Example
The new smartphone became an overnight sensation as soon as it was launched, with people lining up for hours to buy it.
The new smartphone achieved immense popularity immediately after its release, with crowds waiting for hours to purchase it.
🔗 Collocations
overnight sensation – something that becomes very famous or popular suddenly
create a sensation – to cause a lot of excitement or interest
media sensation – a person or event that receives extensive attention from the media
🔄 Synonyms
phenomenon (n.) – something that is very popular or successful for a short time
craze (n.) – a temporary popular fashion or interest
furore (n.) – a sudden burst of excitement or controversy
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
sensational (adj.) – causing great excitement or interest
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'sensationem', meaning 'perception'. Entered English in the 17th century, often used in philosophy to describe sensory experiences before broadening to public excitement.
Meaning 2：physical feeling (sensation)
sensation
/sɛnˈseɪʃən/
n.
A physical feeling that you get from your senses, such as touch, temperature, or pain.
physical feeling
➕
/ˈfɪzɪkəl ˈfiːlɪŋ/
n.
A physical experience perceived through the senses, such as touch, temperature, or pain.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
After sitting cross-legged for too long, I had a strange tingling sensation in my foot.
Following an extended period of sitting with legs crossed, I experienced an unusual tingling feeling in my foot.
🔗 Collocations
tingling sensation – a prickling or stinging feeling on the skin
burning sensation – a feeling of heat or pain as if from a burn
loss of sensation – inability to feel physical sensations, often due to nerve damage
🔄 Synonyms
feeling (n.) – an awareness of something through the senses
perception (n.) – the process of becoming aware of something through the senses
tactile sense (n.) – the sense of touch
🚫 Antonyms
numbness (n.) – lack of sensation or feeling
insensitivity (n.) – lack of response to physical stimuli
🌱 Derivatives
sensory (adj.) – relating to sensation or the physical senses
Wordbook
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