sensibility
UK: ˌsɛnsɪˈbɪlɪti | US: ˌsɛnsəˈbɪləti
n. the capacity to feel or perceive; emotional responsiveness
n. refined awareness or appreciation, especially in art or ethics
n. (archaic) the ability to sense or perceive physically
sensibility = sens<feel> + ibility<noun suffix indicating capacity>
- sens (from Latin sentire, "to feel"): Retains the core meaning of perception or feeling.
- ibility (from Latin -ibilitas, via Old French -ibilité): A suffix forming nouns denoting a quality or capacity.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Late Latin sensibilitas, the word entered Middle English via Old French sensibilité. It originally referred to physical perception (e.g., touch) but evolved to emphasize emotional and aesthetic sensitivity during the Enlightenment, reflecting cultural shifts toward introspection and refined taste.
Her sensibility to nature’s beauty inspired her poetry.
The film critiques the moral sensibility of modern society.
His lack of sensibility made him oblivious to others’ feelings.
18th-century literature often explored themes of sensibility and reason.
The artist’s work appeals to those with a keen visual sensibility.