Sensible vs. Sensitive — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 15, 2023

"Sensible" means having or showing good judgment, while "sensitive" means easily affected or responsive to stimuli.

Sensible vs. Sensitive — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Sensible and Sensitive

Key Differences

"Sensible" is an adjective used to describe individuals or actions that show wisdom, practicality, or good judgment. For instance, when someone makes a well-thought-out decision, they're said to be sensible. In contrast, "sensitive" often refers to a heightened reactivity or responsiveness to stimuli, be it physical, emotional, or otherwise. Someone who gets emotional quickly might be described as sensitive.

For something to be "sensible", it should demonstrate a clear understanding or awareness of a situation. It's synonymous with being reasonable or prudent. On the other hand, "sensitive" can convey vulnerability or a deep level of understanding and empathy. It often describes individuals who are keenly attuned to their surroundings or the feelings of others.

In some contexts, "sensible" implies a level of maturity and discernment. Making a "sensible" choice often means choosing an option that's in one's best long-term interest. In contrast, being "sensitive" might mean that one has a strong or exaggerated response to stimuli, which can be both an asset and a challenge, depending on the context.

Ultimately, while "sensible" and "sensitive" might sound similar, they convey distinctly different characteristics. The former is grounded in logic and prudence, while the latter is centered around reactivity and responsiveness.

Comparison Chart

Basic Definition

Showing good judgment

Easily affected or responsive

Related to

Decision-making, practicality

Reactivity to stimuli

Synonyms

Practical, reasonable

Delicate, responsive

Use in context

Refers to wise or sound decisions

Refers to heightened awareness or vulnerability to stimuli

Connotation

Grounded in logic and understanding

Reactivity, often emotional

Compare with Definitions

Sensible

Reasonable and logical.

Her advice was always sensible and well-thought-out.

Sensitive

Susceptible to harm or damage.

The plant is sensitive to cold temperatures.

Sensible

Grounded in realistic expectations.

Making a budget is a sensible approach to managing finances.

Sensitive

Quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences

Spiders are sensitive to vibrations on their web

The new method of protein detection was more sensitive than earlier ones

Sensible

Showing awareness or consideration.

He made a sensible decision by not driving in the storm.

Sensitive

Having or displaying a quick and delicate appreciation of others' feelings

I pay tribute to the Minister for his sensitive handling of the bill

Sensible

Understandable or justifiable.

His frustration was sensible given the circumstances.

Sensitive

Kept secret or with restrictions on disclosure to avoid endangering security

He was suspected of passing sensitive information to other countries

Sensible

Acting with or exhibiting good judgment; reasonable

A sensible person.

A sensible choice.

Sensitive

A person who is believed to respond to paranormal influences.

Sensible

Not ornate or impractical

A sensible hairdo.

Sensible shoes.

Sensitive

Capable of perceiving with a sense or senses

Aristotle held that animals have a sensitive soul, but only humans have a rational one.

Sensible

Having a perception of something; cognizant

"I am sensible that a good deal more is still to be done" (Edmund Burke).

Sensitive

Responsive or capable of responding to a chemical stimulus or substance. Used especially of a cell, tissue, or organism.

Sensible

Perceptible or appreciable by the senses or by the mind

A sensible difference in temperature.

Sensitive

Susceptible to slight differences or changes in the environment

A plant that is sensitive to rapid changes in temperature.

Heat-sensitive enzymes.

Sensible

Acting with or showing good sense; able to make good judgements based on reason, or reflecting such ability.

Sensitive

Readily altered by the action of an agent

Film that is sensitive to light.

Sensible

Characterized more by usefulness, practicality, or comfort than by attractiveness, formality, or fashionableness, especially of clothing.

I only wear high heels on formal occasions; otherwise, I prefer sensible shoes.

Sensitive

Registering slight differences or changes of condition. Used of an instrument.

Sensible

Able to be sensed by the senses or the psyche; able to be perceived.

Sensitive

Easily irritated

Sensitive skin.

Sensible

(archaic) Able to feel or perceive.

Sensitive

Predisposed to inflammation as a result of preexisting allergy or disease

People with celiac disease are sensitive to gluten.

Sensible

(archaic) Liable to external impression; easily affected; sensitive.

A sensible thermometer

Sensitive

Aware of or careful about the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others

The book is a sensitive treatment of a troubled friendship.

Sensible

(archaic) Of or pertaining to the senses; sensory.

Sensitive

Easily hurt, upset, or offended

Teenagers tend to be especially sensitive about their appearance.

Sensible

(archaic) Cognizant; having the perception of something; aware of something.

Sensitive

Fluctuating or tending to fluctuate, especially in price

Sensitive stocks.

Sensible

(obsolete) Sensation; sensibility.

Sensitive

Of or relating to secret or classified information

Sensitive defense data.

Holds a sensitive position in the State Department.

Sensible

(obsolete) That which impresses itself on the senses; anything perceptible.

Sensitive

A sensitive person.

Sensible

(obsolete) That which has sensibility; a sensitive being.

Sensitive

One held to be endowed with psychic or occult powers.

Sensible

Capable of being perceived by the senses; apprehensible through the bodily organs; hence, also, perceptible to the mind; making an impression upon the sense, reason, or understanding; heat; sensible resistance.

Air is sensible to the touch by its motion.

The disgrace was more sensible than the pain.

Any very sensible effect upon the prices of things.

Sensitive

Having the faculty of sensation; pertaining to the senses.

Sensible

Having the capacity of receiving impressions from external objects; capable of perceiving by the instrumentality of the proper organs; liable to be affected physsically or mentally; impressible.

Would your cambric were sensible as your finger.

Sensitive

To stimuli.

Sensible

Hence: Liable to impression from without; easily affected; having nice perception or acute feeling; sensitive; also, readily moved or affected by natural agents; delicate; as, a sensible thermometer.

Sensitive

(of a person) Easily offended, upset, or hurt.

Max is very sensitive; he cried today because of the bad news.

Sensible

Perceiving or having perception, either by the senses or the mind; cognizant; perceiving so clearly as to be convinced; satisfied; persuaded.

He [man] can not think at any time, waking or sleeping, without being sensible of it.

They are now sensible it would have been better to comply than to refuse.

Sensitive

(of an issue, topic, etc.) Capable of offending, upsetting, or hurting.

Religion is often a sensitive topic of discussion and should be avoided when dealing with foreign business associates.

Sensible

Having moral perception; capable of being affected by moral good or evil.

Sensitive

Meant to be concealed or kept secret.

These are highly sensitive documents.

Sensible

Possessing or containing sense or reason; giftedwith, or characterized by, good or common sense; intelligent; wise.

Now a sensible man, by and by a fool.

Sensitive

, intricate, and requiring great delicacy.

The president's untimely statement disrupted some very sensitive negotiations.

Sensible

Sensation; sensibility.

Sensitive

(of an instrument) accurate; able to register small changes in some property.

Sensible

That which impresses itself on the sense; anything perceptible.

Aristotle distinguished sensibles into common and proper.

Sensitive

(archaic) Having paranormal abilities that can be controlled through mesmerism.

Sensible

That which has sensibility; a sensitive being.

This melancholy extends itself not to men only, but even to vegetals and sensibles.

Sensitive

A person with a paranormal sensitivity to something that most cannot perceive.

Sensible

Showing reason or sound judgment;

A sensible choice

A sensible person

Sensitive

Having sense of feeling; possessing or exhibiting the capacity of receiving impressions from external objects; as, a sensitive soul.

Sensible

Able to feel or perceive;

Even amoeba are sensible creatures

The more sensible p{ enveloping(a), shrouding(a), concealing,& (concealing by enclosing or wrapping as if in something that is not solid;

;

) }arts of the skin

Sensitive

Having quick and acute sensibility, either to the action of external objects, or to impressions upon the mind and feelings; highly susceptible; easily and acutely affected.

She was too sensitive to abuse and calumny.

Sensible

Acting with or showing thought and good sense;

A sensible young man

Sensitive

Having a capacity of being easily affected or moved; as, a sensitive thermometer; sensitive scales.

Sensible

Marked by the exercise of good judgment or common sense in practical matters;

Judicious use of one's money

A sensible manager

A wise decision

Sensitive

Serving to affect the sense; sensible.

A sensitive love of some sensitive objects.

Sensible

Readily perceived by the senses;

The sensible universe

A sensible odor

Sensitive

Of or pertaining to sensation; depending on sensation; as, sensitive motions; sensitive muscular motions excited by irritation.

Sensible

Aware intuitively or intellectually of something sensed;

Made sensible of his mistakes

I am sensible that the mention of such a circumstance may appear trifling

Sensible that a good deal more is still to be done

Sensitive

Responsive to physical stimuli;

A mimosa's leaves are sensitive to touch

A sensitive voltmeter

Sensitive skin

Sensitive to light

Sensible

Proceeding from good sense or judgment;

A sensible choice

Sensitive

Having acute mental or emotional sensibility;

Sensitive to the local community and its needs

Sensible

Demonstrating good judgment or practicality.

It's sensible to save money for the future.

Sensitive

Able to feel or perceive;

Even amoeba are sensible creatures

The more sensible p{ enveloping(a), shrouding(a), concealing,& (concealing by enclosing or wrapping as if in something that is not solid;

;

) }arts of the skin

Sensitive

Hurting;

The tender spot on his jaw

Sensitive

Used officially of classified information or matters affecting national security

Sensitive

Quick to detect changes or respond to stimuli.

The device is sensitive to temperature changes.

Sensitive

Easily hurt or offended.

She's sensitive to criticism.

Sensitive

Showing empathy or understanding.

He's always sensitive to the needs of others.

Sensitive

Requiring careful handling.

This is a sensitive topic for many.

Common Curiosities

Can "sensible" describe decisions?

Yes, a decision that shows good judgment is often termed "sensible."

Does "sensible" mean lacking emotion?

Not necessarily. It refers more to showing good judgment, which can coexist with emotions.

Is "sensitive" always used negatively?

No, being sensitive can also mean showing empathy or having a heightened awareness.

What's the opposite of "sensible"?

Irresponsible or imprudent might be opposites.

Can someone be both sensible and sensitive?

Yes, an individual can show good judgment (sensible) while also being responsive or empathetic (sensitive).

How does "sensitive" relate to the senses?

"Sensitive" can refer to a heightened responsiveness of the senses, such as touch or hearing.

Is being "sensitive" a weakness?

Not inherently. While some may view heightened responsiveness as a vulnerability, it can also be a strength in understanding and empathy.

Can objects be described as "sensible"?

Less commonly. It's usually applied to actions or decisions.

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.