sensibility

[ sen-suh-bil-i-tee ]
/ ˌsɛn səˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun, plural sen·si·bil·i·ties.

Origin of sensibility

1325–75; Middle English sensibilite < Middle French < Late Latin sēnsibilitās. See sensible, -ity

SYNONYMS FOR sensibility

1 Sensibility, susceptibility, sensitiveness, sensitivity refer to capacity to respond to or be affected by something. Sensibility is, particularly, capacity to respond to aesthetic and emotional stimuli: the sensibility of the artist. Susceptibility is the state or quality of being impressionable and responsive, especially to emotional stimuli; in the plural it has much the same meaning as sensibility : a person of keen susceptibilities. Sensitiveness is the state or quality of being sensitive, of having a capacity of sensation and of responding to external stimuli: sensitiveness to light. Sensitivity is a special capability of being sensitive to physiological, chemical action or a tendency to be easily affected by the adverse reactions of others: the sensitivity of a nerve; sensitivity to criticism.
2 alertness, awareness.

OTHER WORDS FROM sensibility

hy·per·sen·si·bil·i·ty, noun non·sen·si·bil·i·ty, noun, plural non·sen·si·bil·i·ties. un·sen·si·bil·i·ty, noun, plural un·sen·si·bil·i·ties.

Example sentences from the Web for sensibility

British Dictionary definitions for sensibility

sensibility
/ (ˌsɛnsɪˈbɪlɪtɪ) /

noun plural -ties

the ability to perceive or feel
(often plural) the capacity for responding to emotion, impression, etc
(often plural) the capacity for responding to aesthetic stimuli
mental responsiveness; discernment; awareness
(usually plural) emotional or moral feelings cruelty offends most people's sensibilities
the condition of a plant of being susceptible to external influences, esp attack by parasites

Medical definitions for sensibility

sensibility
[ sĕn′sə-bĭlĭ-tē ]

n.

The ability to perceive stimuli.
Mental or emotional responsiveness toward something, such as the feelings of another.
Receptiveness to impression, whether pleasant or unpleasant; acuteness of feeling.
The quality of being affected by changes in the environment.