adj.
Pronunciation: ' sen(t)-s ə -tiv, ' sen(t)s-t ə v
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin sensitivus, probably alteration of sensativus, from sensatus sensate
Date: 15th century
1 : SENSORY 2
2 a : receptive to sense impressions b : capable of being stimulated or excited by external agents (as light, gravity, or contact) < sensitive cells>
3 : highly responsive or susceptible: as a (1) : easily hurt or damaged especially : easily hurt emotionally (2) : delicately aware of the attitudes and feelings of others b : excessively or abnormally susceptible : HYPERSENSITIVE < sensitive to egg protein> c : readily fluctuating in price or demand < sensitive commodities> d : capable of indicating minute differences : DELICATE < sensitive scales> e : readily affected or changed by various agents (as light or mechanical shock) <a photographic emulsion sensitive to red light> f : highly radiosensitive
4 a : concerned with highly classified government information or involving discretionary authority over important policy matters < sensitive documents> b : calling for tact, care, or caution in treatment : TOUCHY <a sensitive issue like race relations>
5 : having or showing concern for a specified matter ― usually used in combination <a price -sensitive customer> <environmentally sensitive policies>
synonyms see LIABLE
– sen · si · tive · ly adverb
– sen · si · tive · ness noun