What does sensitive mean?
Sensitive describes a person, subject, or thing that is strongly affected by impressions, emotions, or physical stimuli. It can mean that someone responds readily to other people’s feelings, or that a matter is delicate and requires tact. The word also applies to information or topics that need protection or careful discussion, and to people or devices capable of detecting subtle changes. In everyday conversation, calling someone sensitive can sometimes imply that they are easily upset, but the word is not necessarily negative: it can also describe empathy, attentiveness, and perceptiveness. Its usefulness lies in its ability to mark the difference between emotional fragility, thoughtful responsiveness, and the need for discretion.
adjectiveEasily affected by physical, emotional, or sensory impressions; responsive to the feelings or needs of others; or requiring careful handling because it is easily offended, controversial, or vulnerable to exposure.
- Easily affected by physical, emotional, or sensory impressions; delicate or susceptible.
- Responsive to the feelings, needs, or opinions of others; tactful and considerate.
- Requiring careful handling because it is controversial, easily offended, or vulnerable to exposure.
- Able to detect small differences or changes in stimuli; perceptive.
"The proposal addresses a sensitive issue that requires tact and careful discussion."
"Her sensitive approach helped the frightened child relax."
"The recording contains sensitive information that must be protected."
One word can mean emotionally delicate, carefully handled, or highly responsive—and context decides which meaning matters.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sensitive come from?
Sensitive entered English in the 17th century from Latin sensitivus, meaning “having feeling” or “perceptive.” The Latin word was formed from sentire, “to feel,” which also underlies words such as sensation, sensory, sensible, and sentiment. Over time, sensitive developed meanings connected both with physical and emotional responsiveness and with situations requiring careful treatment.
Related word forms
How sensitive is actually used
The word is common in both formal and informal English. In personal contexts, it may suggest someone is easily upset or offended, while in professional and technical contexts it often emphasizes delicacy, discretion, or perceptiveness.
Easily confused with sensitive
Sensitive relates to emotional or sensory responsiveness, whereas sensuous specifically emphasizes giving pleasure to the senses through touch, sound, or appearance.
Sensitive can mean easily affected by impressions or emotions, while sensible means showing good judgment and practical wisdom.