sensibility
noun
sen·si·bil·i·ty
| \ ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē
\
\
plural sensibilities
Definition of sensibility
1
: ability to receive sensations : sensitiveness
tactile sensibility
2
: peculiar susceptibility to a pleasurable or painful impression (as from praise or a slight)
—often used in plural
3
: awareness of and responsiveness toward something (such as emotion in another)
4
: refined or excessive sensitiveness in emotion and taste with especial responsiveness to the pathetic
Examples of sensibility in a Sentence
The writer is remembered most for his sensibility.
She's a woman of poetic sensibility.
Recent Examples on the Web
The steady decay of sensibility celebrated by Yesterday should be mortifying to anyone who has ever liked a Beatles song. — Armond White, National Review, "Yesterday Is Cynical, Fake Nostalgia," 28 June 2019 Giant penises are, of course, an affront to the sensibilities of proper and dignified and cautious people. — John Archibald | Jarchibald@al.com, al.com, "Flaccid ADEM is the picture of phallic failure," 24 June 2019 It’s been suggested that viewers’ interest stems from the series’ depiction of an environmental catastrophe, its political relevance, or its reflection of a new Cold War sensibility. — Matt Brennan, chicagotribune.com, "No one is more surprised by ‘Chernobyl’s’ success than creator Craig Mazin," 20 June 2019 It’s been suggested that viewers’ interest stems from the series’ depiction of an environmental catastrophe, its political relevance, or its reflection of a new Cold War sensibility. — Matt Brennan, latimes.com, "No one is more surprised by ‘Chernobyl’s’ success than creator Craig Mazin," 19 June 2019 Veronica Mars has gotten a warier, moodier makeover (just check out those True Detective–style opening credits), with higher stakes, a deeply cynical sensibility, and an ending that leaves a bitter aftertaste. — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, "The Moody Return of Veronica Mars," 15 July 2019 Both municipal buildings embody Kuma’s distinct design sensibility, which showcases the simplicity and lightness of his construction materials, and his architectural ethos is quickly becoming the prevailing visual style of Japan. — Brandon Presser, Condé Nast Traveler, "This Japanese Town Has Become a Secret Destination for Architecture Buffs," 19 June 2019 Trump, the argument runs, is here to revive America’s national sensibility through appeals to common purpose, political community, and historical memory. — Matthew Continetti, National Review, "Trump’s Great D-Day Speech," 6 June 2019 After establishing a successful online business from her home base in France, Damas is now bringing that Bardot-esque sensibility to her other favorite city, which happens to represent the West Coast of the United States. — Brooke Bobb, Vogue, "Bonjour, Hollywood! Jeanne Damas Is Bringing French Girl Chic to L.A.," 5 Apr. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sensibility.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for sensibility
sensibility
noun
English Language Learners Definition of sensibility
formal
: the kinds of feelings that you have when you hear, see, read, or think about something
: the kinds of feelings that a certain type of person tends to have
: the ability to feel and understand emotions
See the full definition for sensibility in the English Language Learners Dictionary
sensibility
noun
sen·si·bil·i·ty
| \ ˌsen-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē
\
\
plural sensibilities
Kids Definition of sensibility
1
: the ability to receive or feel sensations
2
: the ability to feel and understand emotions
sensibility
noun
sen·si·bil·i·ty
| \ ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē
\
\
plural sensibilities
Medical Definition of sensibility
1
: ability to receive sensations
sensibility to pain
2
: awareness of and responsiveness toward something (as emotion in another)
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