Emotions / C1

in-SENS-uh-tiv/ɪnˈsensətɪv/

Insensitive means not noticing or caring about other people’s feelings; also not affected by something: an insensitive remark, insensitive to cold. Sensitive (already in the dictionary) sits opposite; a character caption is not a timetable minute.

Meaning

Not noticing or caring about other people’s feelings; also not affected by something.

Examples

• “An insensitive cut of the night bus is a timetable minute, not “character”.”
• “Thoughtless is milder. Callous is harsher. Character is a story. A bus cut is a file. Minute the cut; keep character for the yearbook.”

Good to know

Not noticing others’ feelings (also: unaffected). Opposite: sensitive (already in the dictionary). “Character” ≠ a bus-cut minute.

Near in meaning

thoughtless, callous, tactless

Topics

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