n.
Pronunciation: ' sen(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French sen, sens sensation, feeling, mechanism of perception, meaning, from Latin sensus, from sentire to perceive, feel; perhaps akin to Old High German sinnan to go, strive, Old English sith journey ― more at SEND
Date: 14th century
1 : a meaning conveyed or intended : IMPORT , SIGNIFICATION especially : one of a set of meanings a word or phrase may bear especially as segregated in a dictionary entry
2 a : the faculty of perceiving by means of sense organs b : a specialized function or mechanism (as sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch) by which an animal receives and responds to external or internal stimuli c : the sensory mechanisms constituting a unit distinct from other functions (as movement or thought)
3 : conscious awareness or rationality ― usually used in plural <finally came to his sense s >
4 a : a particular sensation or kind or quality of sensation <a good sense of balance> b : a definite but often vague awareness or impression <felt a sense of insecurity> <a sense of danger> c : a motivating awareness <a sense of shame> d : a discerning awareness and appreciation <her sense of humor>
5 : CONSENSUS <the sense of the meeting>
6 a : capacity for effective application of the powers of the mind as a basis for action or response : INTELLIGENCE b : sound mental capacity and understanding typically marked by shrewdness and practicality also : agreement with or satisfaction of such power <this decision makes sense >
7 : one of two opposite directions especially of motion (as of a point, line, or surface)
synonyms SENSE , COMMON SENSE , JUDGMENT , WISDOM mean ability to reach intelligent conclusions. SENSE implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence <a choice showing good sense >. COMMON SENSE suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge < common sense tells me it's wrong>. JUDGMENT implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity <they relied on her judgment for guidance>. WISDOM implies sense and judgment far above average <a leader of rare wisdom >.