Sensible

Definition

The adjective "sensible" refers to (1) showing sound judgment and practicality, (2) readily perceived by the senses or the mind (now chiefly literary), and (3) being aware of or responsive to something. Historically it has also served as a noun meaning “a person endowed with sense.”

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun (rare, archaic)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɛnsəbəl/
• Respelling: SEN‑sə‑bəl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɛnsɪbəl/
• Respelling: SEN‑sih‑bəl

Etymology

"Sensible" comes from Middle English sensyble, via Old French, ultimately from Latin sēnsibilis “perceptible,” formed from sēnsus “perception, feeling.” Its primary meaning shifted from “perceptible to the senses” (14th c.) to “reasonable, judicious” by the 17th century.

Derivatives

• Sensibly (adverb)
• Sensibleness (noun)
• Sensibility (noun)
• Insensible (adjective, antonymic)
• Oversensible (adjective, rare)

Synonyms

• Reasonable
• Prudent
• Rational
• Judicious
• Wise

Antonyms

• Foolish
• Irrational
• Imprudent
• Senseless
• Absurd

Usage

"Sensible" appears in everyday, professional, and academic contexts. Examples: "Wearing a coat in cold weather is a sensible choice," or "She is sensible of the risks involved."

Related Terms

• Sensation: Physical feeling resulting from stimulation of sense organs.
• Common sense: Good practical judgment in everyday matters.
• Perceptible: Able to be seen or noticed; detectable.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Showing good judgment; reasonable: Indicates decisions or actions based on logic and practicality.
  • Example: "It is sensible to back up important data regularly."
• Perceptible to the senses or mind: Describes something that can be physically felt or mentally recognized.
  • Example: "There was a sensible drop in temperature after sunset."
• Aware of or responsive to something (sensible of): Emphasizes conscious recognition or sensitivity.
  • Example: "She was sensible of his disappointment."

Noun (Archaic)

• A person endowed with sense or reason: An obsolete literary usage referring to a rational individual.
  • Example: "Let every sensible judge the argument on its merits."