Meaning 1
Quick to notice and consider feelings, needs, or subtle distinctions.
Reach for it when praising emotional or social awareness that shapes considerate conduct
The sensitive teacher changed examples when she saw that the story was distressing a child.
Meaning 2
Readily affected by a stimulus, change, or pressure.
Reach for it when describing heightened response without treating it as a character flaw
His sensitive eyes needed softer light during the examination.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| warm |
| |
| professional |
| |
| formal | ||
| literary |
warm
Fits when awareness becomes a thoughtful action
Careful A considerate act may follow a stated request rather than subtle sensitivity.
warm
Fits when understanding another's felt experience is central
Careful Sensitivity can notice a need accurately without sharing the emotion.
professional
Fits when fine details or social cues are read accurately
Careful Perception alone does not guarantee kindness in response.
professional
Fits when difficult communication avoids needless hurt
Careful Tact is a skillful choice, not the broader capacity to feel or notice.
literary
attuned
Fits when close responsiveness to a person or atmosphere is sustained
Careful It can sound vague unless the sentence names what the person is attuned to.
professional
Fits when a measurable change follows a small input
Careful Responsive is about reaction and may carry no vulnerability.
formal
Fits when a system, material, or body part is easily affected
Careful Applied to a person, delicate may imply weakness rather than sensitivity.
formal
susceptible
Fits when exposure makes an unwanted effect more likely
Careful It is usually negative and should not replace positive emotional sensitivity.
sensitive person
As a sensitive person, Kofi noticed when teasing had stopped being mutual.
sensitive to criticism
She was sensitive to criticism but learned to ask which part was actionable.
sensitive subject
The mediator introduced the sensitive subject only after agreeing on privacy.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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