Emotions / B2

SENS-uh-tiv/ˈsensətɪv/

Sensitive means easily upset, needing careful handling, or able to measure small changes: a sensitive file; a sensitive instrument. Delicate is close for handling; sensible (already in the dictionary) means practical. Names in the sensitive file stay off the drive. Mix-up: sensible. Do not write sensitive for “making good decisions”.

Meaning

Easily upset, or needing careful handling; also able to measure small changes.

Examples

• “Names in the sensitive file stay off the shared drive, safeguarding said.”
• “A sensitive balance featured in the chemistry practical, which is the measuring sense.”

Good to know

sensitive to / about; a sensitive issue / file. Trap: sensible (practical). Safeguarding, news, and sciences. Careful or finely measuring, not “wise”.

Topics

New