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Sensitive: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：easily affected (sensitive)
sensitive
/ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/
adj.
Easily affected by things physically or emotionally; getting upset or hurt by small things.
easily affected
➕
/ˈiːzɪli əˈfɛktɪd/
adj.
Describes a tendency to react strongly to minor physical or emotional stimuli, often resulting in discomfort or upset.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'sentire' (to feel) plus suffix '-ive' indicating tendency.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of sensors: sensitive things feel or detect changes easily.
📖 Example
My skin is very sensitive to sunlight, so I always wear a hat and long sleeves when I go out.
My skin reacts strongly to sunlight, so I protect myself with a hat and long sleeves outdoors.
🔗 Collocations
sensitive skin – skin that is easily irritated
sensitive issue – a topic that can easily cause offense or emotional reaction
sensitive to light – reacting strongly to light exposure
🔄 Synonyms
delicate (adj.) – easily damaged or upset by minor influences
tender (adj.) – sensitive to pain or emotional touch
vulnerable (adj.) – open to emotional or physical harm from small triggers
🚫 Antonyms
insensitive (adj.) – not affected by or aware of feelings or situations
thick-skinned (adj.) – not easily upset or offended
🌱 Derivatives
sensitivity (n.) – the quality of being sensitive
sensitize (v.) – to make sensitive or aware
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'sentire' (to feel), the word entered English via Old French. It evolved to describe responsiveness to stimuli, commonly used in psychology for emotional reactions and in technology for precision detection.
Meaning 2：highly responsive (sensitive)
sensitive
/ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/
adj.
Able to detect very small changes or signals, like a machine or instrument that works well with tiny inputs.
highly responsive
➕
/ˈhaɪli rɪˈspɒnsɪv/
adj.
Indicates the capability to detect and react to very slight changes or inputs, often in mechanical or electronic contexts.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The new smartphone has a very sensitive touch screen that responds to the lightest tap.
The latest smartphone features a touch screen that detects even the gentlest touches instantly.
🔗 Collocations
sensitive equipment – instruments that require careful handling for accurate function
sensitive sensor – a detector capable of picking up minute signals
sensitive to changes – responsive to small variations in conditions
🔄 Synonyms
responsive (adj.) – quick to react or adjust to inputs
acute (adj.) – having a sharp perception or detection ability
perceptive (adj.) – able to notice or understand subtle details quickly
🚫 Antonyms
insensitive (adj.) – not responsive to stimuli or changes
unresponsive (adj.) – not reacting to inputs or signals
🌱 Derivatives
sensitivity (n.) – the degree to which a device responds to stimuli
sensitize (v.) – to make more responsive or aware
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