What does sensitively mean?
“Sensitively” is an adverb describing how someone acts or how something responds when care, restraint, or acute perception is required. In its most common social sense, it means with consideration for other people's feelings, experiences, or circumstances: a matter should be handled sensitively, especially when it concerns conflict, identity, trauma, or disagreement. In technical and scientific contexts, it can describe a person or device that responds keenly to subtle changes in stimuli. The word is closely related to “sensitive” and “sensitivity,” but adds the grammatical distinction of describing manner rather than a quality or capacity. Using it can signal tact, empathy, and emotional awareness, although the phrase should not be used to replace concrete evidence when discussing an issue such as bias or unequal treatment.
adverbIn a sensitive manner, with care and consideration for people's feelings, needs, or circumstances. It can also mean with a high degree of sensitivity to stimuli or subtle differences.
- With care and consideration for people's feelings, rights, needs, or circumstances.
- With acute awareness of subtle differences, reactions, or stimuli.
"The teacher responded sensitively to the student's concern."
"The issue must be discussed sensitively if it is to gain public support."
"The instrument detects minute changes in temperature and responds sensitively to them."
Being sensitive is one thing; acting sensitively is where empathy becomes a skill.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sensitively come from?
The adverb was formed in the 19th century from “sensitive” and the suffix “-ly.” “Sensitive” comes through Latin sensitivus, a derivative of sentire, “to perceive” or “to feel.” Its relatives include “sensitivity” and “sensate,” all reflecting the idea of perception or feeling.
Related word forms
How sensitively is actually used
The first sense is especially common in social, political, and workplace contexts, where it suggests tact and avoidance of unnecessary offence. In technical contexts, the word can mean that a device or person responds accurately to small changes or stimuli.
Easily confused with sensitively
“Sensitive” is an adjective describing a person, situation, or instrument, whereas “sensitively” is an adverb describing the manner in which something is done.
“Sensitivity” is a noun meaning the capacity to respond to feelings or stimuli; “sensitively” is an adverb meaning in a sensitive or considerate manner.