I. ˈsen(t)-sə-bəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin sensibilis, from sensus, past participle of sentire to feel
Date: 14th century
1. : of a kind to be felt or perceived: as
a. : perceptible to the senses or to reason or understanding
felt a sensible chill
her distress was sensible from her manner
b. archaic : perceptibly large : considerable
c. : perceptible as real or material : substantial
the sensible world in which we live
2.
a. : capable of receiving sensory impressions
sensible to pain
b. : receptive to external influences : sensitive
the most sensible reaches of the spirit
3.
a. : perceiving through the senses or mind : cognizant
sensible of the increasing heat
also : convinced by perceived evidence : satisfied
sensible of my error
b. : emotionally aware and responsive
we are sensible of your problems
c. : conscious
4. : having, containing, or indicative of good sense or reason : rational , reasonable
sensible people
made a sensible answer
5. : designed for practical ends (as comfort) rather than for appearance
sensible shoes
Synonyms: see material , perceptible , aware , wise
• sen·si·ble·ness noun
• sen·si·bly -blē adverb
II. noun
Date: 1589
: something that can be sensed