I. ˈsen(t)səbəl adjective
( sometimes -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin sensibilis capable of perceiving or being perceived, from Latin, capable of being perceived, from sensus (past participle of sentire to feel, perceive) + -ibilis -ible — more at sense
1.
a.
(1) : capable of being perceived by the senses : apprehensible through the sense organs
a sensible contact
sensible impressions
(2) : perceptible to the mind : making an impression upon the sense, reason, or understanding
a warm and clearly sensible affection
his distress was sensible from his manner
b. : perceptibly large : of a significant size, amount, or degree : considerable
a sensible error
c.
(1) : readily perceptible by the senses : affecting the senses acutely
a sensible odor
(2) obsolete : producing a strong impression on the mind
(3) archaic : tending to produce an acute emotional response either positive or negative
(4) : material
waiting to receive more sensible marks of his uncle's approval
d. : sensuous 1
2.
a. : capable of receiving impressions from external objects through the sense organs : liable to be affected by stimuli
the more sensible parts of the skin
sensible to pain
b. : liable to impression from without : easily affected : having or exhibiting nice perception or acute feeling
disturbed in the most sensible reaches of his spirit
with affection wondrous sensible — Shakespeare
c. archaic : capable of reacting readily to an activating force
sensible instruments
3.
a. : perceiving or having perception either through the senses or the mind : cognizant
made sensible of his mistake
sensible of the gathering storm
also : perceiving so clearly as to be convinced : persuaded, satisfied
sensible of the error in our decision
b. : perceiving and responding emotionally
sensible of his faults
very sensible of your distress
4. : having or containing sense or reason : characterized by or resulting from sober serious examination and study : intelligent , reasonable
a sensible man
sensible plans
a sensible answer
Synonyms: see aware , material , perceptible , wise
II. noun
( -s )
: something that impresses the senses : something perceptible