Reading Theme:
Sense: Meaning, Examples, and Usage (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：physical perception (sense)
sense
/sɛns/
n.
One of the five natural physical abilities (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch) that allow you to receive information from the world.
physical perception
➕
/ˈfɪzɪkəl pərˈsɛpʃən/
n.
Refers to any of the five faculties (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch) by which humans and animals perceive the external world.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'sensus' (feeling, perception), from 'sentire' (to feel).
💡 Mnemonic
SENSE: See, Hear, Smell, Taste, Touch - the five ways we sense the world.
📖 Example
Standing on the beach, she could feel the warm sand under her feet, hear the waves crashing, and smell the salty air-it was a feast for her senses.
Standing on the beach, she could feel the warm sand under her feet, hear the waves crashing, and smell the salty air-it was a feast for her senses.
🔗 Collocations
sense of smell – the ability to perceive odors
sense of hearing – the ability to perceive sounds
sense of touch – the ability to perceive physical contact
🔄 Synonyms
perception (n.) – the process of becoming aware of something through the senses
sensation (n.) – a physical feeling or experience resulting from stimulation of a sense organ
faculty (n.) – an inherent mental or physical power
🚫 Antonyms
numbness (n.) – lack of physical sensation
insensitivity (n.) – lack of responsiveness to sensory stimuli
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'sense' originates from Latin 'sensus', referring to the faculty of perception. Aristotle famously classified five senses, a concept foundational to Western philosophy and science.
Meaning 2：meaning or significance (sense)
sense
/sɛns/
n.
The meaning or reason behind something, like a word, an action, or a situation.
meaning or significance
➕
/ˈmiːnɪŋ ɔːr sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/
n.
The meaning or reason behind a word, action, or situation; the intended or interpreted import.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
I've read this poem three times, but I still can't grasp the full sense of what the author is trying to say.
I've read this poem three times, but I still can't grasp the full sense of what the author is trying to say.
🔗 Collocations
make sense – to be logical or understandable
in a sense – in a particular way or to a certain extent
common sense – sound practical judgment
🔄 Synonyms
meaning (n.) – what is intended to be expressed or understood
significance (n.) – the quality of being important or having meaning
gist (n.) – the main or essential part of something
🚫 Antonyms
Meaning 3：good judgment (sense)
sense
/sɛns/
n.
A natural understanding or ability to make good judgments about something.
good judgment
➕
/ɡʊd ˈdʒʌdʒmənt/
n.
A natural ability to make wise decisions or understand situations correctly, often without explicit reasoning.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He has a great business sense and always knows which investment will be successful.
He has a great business sense and always knows which investment will be successful.
🔗 Collocations
business sense – the ability to make good commercial decisions
common sense – sound practical judgment in everyday matters
street sense – practical knowledge of how to survive in an urban environment
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
foolishness (n.) – lack of good sense or judgment
naivety (n.) – lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment
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