sensitive etymology

Etymology:

The word "sensitive" comes from the Latin word "sentire," meaning "to feel" or "to perceive." The root "sent-" in Latin signifies a sense or sensation.

Meaning:

Sensitive primarily means:

  • Having a heightened ability to feel or perceive physical or emotional stimuli
  • Easily affected or influenced by external conditions
  • Emotionally delicate or vulnerable

Origin:

The Latin word "sentire" has been used since ancient times to describe the ability to experience sensations. It is related to the words "sensus" (meaning "sense"), "sententia" (meaning "opinion"), and "sentio" (meaning "I perceive").

Historical Usage:

  1. Sensible: In the 13th century, "sensitive" was first used to describe something easily felt or perceived through the senses.
  2. Emotional: By the 16th century, the meaning had expanded to include being easily affected by emotions.
  3. Vulnerable: In the 18th century, "sensitive" began to be used to describe someone emotionally delicate or easily hurt.

Modern Usage:

Today, "sensitive" is commonly used in various contexts:

  • Biological: Individuals with high sensory sensitivity or allergies.
  • Psychological: People who experience intense emotions or are easily overwhelmed.
  • Social: Those who are considerate of others' feelings or who avoid confrontations.
  • Technical: Devices that can detect small changes or deviations.

sensitive relate terms

  • sense

    Etymology Middle English sens from Old French sens from Latin sensus sensation perc

  • senses

    Etymology of Senses The word senses derives from the Latin word sensus which means

  • hypersensitive

    Etymology hyper from Greek excessive over sensitive from Latin able to feel or

  • hyper

    Etymology The word hyper is derived from the Greek prefix ὑπέρ huper meani

  • sensitive

    Etymology The word sensitive comes from the Latin word sentire meaning to feel or

  • sensible

    Etymology The word sensible derives from the Latin word sensibilis meaning able to

  • medium

    Etymology The word medium originates from the Latin word medius which means middle

  • spiritualist

    Etymology of Spiritualist The term spiritualist derives from the Latin word spiritus

  • mimosa

    Etymology Late Latin mimosa feminine of mimosus full of actors mimic from Greek mi

  • quick

    Etymology From Latin nexus past participle of nectere to bind Meaning A connection

  • insensible

    Insensible Etymology Insensible derives from the Latin insensibilis meaning incapa

  • rose

    Etymology Middle English rose from Anglo Norman rose from Old French rose from Lati