adj
sensitive
SEHN-siht-ihv
adj
1
Easily affected, upset, or hurt by things.
"He's quite sensitive about his height."
"She has always been a sensitive child."
2
Requiring careful or delicate handling because it is easily damaged or because the topic is difficult.
"This is a sensitive topic, so choose your words carefully."
"The documents were marked as sensitive information."
3
Able to detect small changes or respond accurately to stimuli.
"The new camera sensor is far more sensitive to light."
How to Use Sensitive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEasily affected or hurt, or requiring careful/delicate handling, or (of a device) able to detect fine changes.
Common pairings
sensitive information
sensitive topic
sensitive skin
Word Forms
more sensitive comparative, sensitives plural, most sensitive superlative
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Etymology
From Middle French sensitif, from Medieval Latin sensitivus, ultimately from Latin sentiō, "to feel."