French Conversation · Level 115
59 words
French word
insensible
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛ̃sɑ̃sibl/
Meaning
- adjectiveinsensitive
Example
Il est insensible aux critiques.
He is insensitive to criticism.
More examples
Le patient est insensible à la douleur.
The patient is insensitive to pain.
Core concept
A muted receiver through which physical or emotional signals pass without much response.
Common phrases
insensible à la douleur
insensitive to pain
insensible aux critiques
insensitive to criticism
Similar words
indifférent: Showing little interest in people or events.
froid: Lacking warmth and seeming unfriendly toward others.
sourd: Unresponsive to sounds, words, or criticism, as if unable to hear.
Definition in French
Qui manque de sensibilité, soit au niveau physique (peu de sensations), soit au niveau affectif (peu d'émotions réactives).
Word origin
French insensible is built from in- and sensible, ultimately reflecting Latin insensibilis for something lacking sensation.
Usage tips
- French insensible usually means insensitive or unresponsive, whereas English insensible often means unconscious or unaware.
Other meanings
- numbadjective
- indifferentadjective
Opposites
- sensiblesensitiveadjective
Related words
- insensibilitéinsensitivitynoun
- insensibiliserdesensitizeverb
- insensiblementimperceptiblyadverb