rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -ibilis
Latin

-ibilis

able or suitable to be

Forms

  • -ibilis
  • -ible — The ending shortened through French and English.

Origin

A Latin form of -bilis, often attached to a verb through a linking i.

Note

It expresses possibility or suitability, not a promise that the action will happen.

46 / 52
noun

sensibility

sen-suh-BIL-uh-tee/ˌsensəˈbɪləti/

A characteristic way of perceiving, judging, and responding to experiences.

The viewer's refined sensibility responds to the painting's subtle colors and composition.

An art viewer thoughtfully studies subtle colors and composition of a painting, refined taste.
Etymology
sensibilLatinable to be felt or capable of feeling
+ityLatina quality or state

From a base meaning having feeling or being perceptible, sensibility first covered physical perception. It later came to emphasize emotional awareness, especially a capacity for refined feelings.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain16:17
she was of that inferior order of beings with regard to delicate feeling tender sentiments and refined sensibility of which Augusta was one
1700s Romance Audiobook 📖 Love and Friendship — Jane Austen

More examples

  • The director brings a dark sensibility to this familiar story.
  • Their different political sensibilities make for lively dinner conversations.
  • His practical sensibility favors simple solutions over elaborate plans.

Forms

sensibility · sensibilities

Similar words

outlook
Emphasizes general attitudes toward life rather than distinctive emotional responses.
taste
Focuses on preferences rather than an overall way of responding.
perspective
Emphasizes a viewpoint rather than a characteristic pattern of feeling.