French Conversation · Level 61
71 words
French word
sensible
Pronunciation
IPA/sɑ̃sibl/
Meaning
- adjectivesensitive
Example
Elle est sensible aux critiques.
She is sensitive to criticism.
More examples
Cette peau est très sensible au soleil.
This skin is very sensitive to the sun.
Core concept
A finely tuned emotional response that reacts strongly to small signals.
Common phrases
être sensible à
be sensitive to
peau sensible
sensitive skin
très sensible
very sensitive
Similar words
susceptible: Quick to take minor criticism or teasing personally and become upset.
émotif: Openly expressive of strong feelings, often through tears or facial expressions.
fragile: Emotionally fragile and easily made anxious or downcast by small problems.
délicat: Requiring tact and care because careless treatment may hurt another person.
Definition in French
Qui réagit facilement aux émotions, aux paroles ou aux critiques.
Word origin
The adjective derives from Latin sensibilis, 'perceptible or capable of feeling', and entered French through Old French.
Usage tips
- With people or feelings, sensible commonly takes à or aux: être sensible aux critiques means being sensitive to criticism.
Other meanings
- oversensitiveadjective
- delicateadjective
Opposites
- insensibleinsensitiveadjective
- indifférentindifferentadjective
Related words
- sensibilitésensitivitynoun
- sensibiliserraise awarenessverb
- sensiblementconsiderablyadverb