What is the Difference Between Sensible and Sensitive

The main difference between sensible and sensitive is that the adjective sensible describes someone prudent and rational, but the adjective sensitive describes someone who feels things easily and deeply.

Sensitive and sensible are two adjectives that look alike, but they have vastly different meanings. Both these adjectives can be used to describe people as well as non-living things. Moreover, sensible people are practical and prudent, but sensitive people feel things easily and deeply.

Key Areas Covered

1. What Does Sensible Mean
     – Definition, Meaning, Examples
2. What Does Sensitive Mean
     – Definition, Meaning, Examples
3. What is the Similarity Between Sensible and Sensitive
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Sensible and Sensitive
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Sensitive, Sensible, People

Sensible – Definition, Meaning, and Examples

Sensible is an adjective that is synonymous with prudent, practical, or rational. Therefore, a sensible person is someone who is practical, reasonable and level-headed. Sensible people always show good judgement and make wise decisions. When we use this adjective to describe a person, it usually has a positive connotation. However, this adjective can sometimes be negative. For example, a sensible choice in contrast to a creative or adventurous choice.  When you use this adjective to describe an object – sensible shoes, sensible dress, etc. – it refers to comfortable and practical choices rather than expensive or fashionable choices.

Figure 1: He wore sensible shoes.

Let’s now observe how to use this adjective in example sentences:

Be sensible and take an umbrella with you!

Everyone respected her because she always gave such sensible advice.

Lailah wore sensible shoes because she had to walk a long way.

He always spends money in a sensible way.

I was sensible enough to stop driving when I got too tired.

Sensitive – Definition, Meaning and Examples

Sensitive means being susceptible to the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others. We use this adjective to describe people who have or display a quick and delicate appreciation of others’ feelings. In other words, sensitive people feel things easily and deeply, and they emotionally react to things or people. They get their feelings hurt easily, but they are also able to understand other people’s feelings and emotions.

She is very sensitive, so you have to be careful about what you say.

He was a very caring and sensitive guy.

Although James acts like a tough guy, he is a very sensitive person.

Figure 2: She was extremely sensitive to criticisms.

Plants, animals, events and processes can also be sensitive. For example, sensitive problem, touch-sensitive plants, sensitive commodities, etc.

The company was successful in entering many sensitive markets. – markets that unstable and liable to quick changes

This plant is sensitive to light. – plants that respond to changes in light

He is not to be entrusted with sensitive information. – secret information

Similarity Between Sensible and Sensitive

• Both these adjectives can describe qualities of people as well as non-living things.

Difference Between Sensible and Sensitive

Definition

Sensible means prudent, rational, and level-headed, while sensitive means being susceptible to the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others.

People

While sensible people are practical and prudent, sensitive people feel things easily and deeply.

Personality

Moreover, sensible people always show good judgement and make wise decisions, while sensitive people get their feelings hurt easily, but they are also able to understand other people’s feelings and emotions.

Non-living Things

When used to describe an object, sensible usually means practical and comfortable. However, when used to describe objects, animals, processes, etc., sensitive means quick to respond to changes.

Conclusion

Sensible means prudent, rational, and level-headed while sensitive means being susceptible to the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others. Sensible people always show good judgement and make wise decisions while sensitive people get their feelings hurt easily, but they are also able to understand other people’s feelings and emotions. Thus, this is the main difference between sensible and sensitive. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “3229347” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “3421489” (CC0) via Pixabay