Words / B1

SENS-uh-bl/ˈsensəbl/

Sensible means practical and showing good judgement. Sensitive means easily upset or reacting to small changes — a common mix-up. Wise is stronger; practical is a close twin. Hall rules: a sensible packed lunch, not a kettle.

Meaning

Practical and showing good judgement.

Examples

• “A sensible packed lunch is allowed; a kettle in the hall is not.”
• “A sensible password is long; your date of birth is not sensible, however memorable.”

Good to know

a sensible + decision / shoe / packed lunch. Mix-up: sensitive. Close: practical. Exams / HSE. Not “sensible” for “I can sense it” (that is I sense / I can feel).

Near in meaning

practical

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