adjective / noun
sensitive
SEN-suh-tiv/ˈsensətɪv/
Readily responsive to small influences.
The sensitive reader is moved to tears by the heartfelt letter.
Etymology
The root meaning “feel, perceive” originally described the capacity to receive sensations. Sensitive later emphasized how readily or intensely someone or something responds, including to emotions and very slight physical changes.
In context
those with slightly sensitive of skin or those who cannot tolerate glycolic acid for those lactic acid will work well
More examples
- My skin is sensitive to even mild soap.
- He's sensitive to criticism, so choose your words carefully.
- They consult a sensitive who claims to perceive spirits.
Forms
sensitive · more sensitive · most sensitive · sensitives
sensitivity noun — The ability to detect or react to slight influences.
Similar words
- responsive
- Emphasizes reacting readily, not necessarily to very slight changes.
- susceptible
- Emphasizes being easily affected, especially by something harmful.
- perceptive
- Emphasizes noticing subtle details rather than reacting to them.