sense and sensibility: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, formal, academic
Quick answer
What does “sense and sensibility” mean?
The title of Jane Austen's novel (1811), often used idiomatically to refer to the balanced exercise of rational thought (sense) and emotional sensitivity (sensibility).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The title of Jane Austen's novel (1811), often used idiomatically to refer to the balanced exercise of rational thought (sense) and emotional sensitivity (sensibility).
A phrase describing the ideal combination of practical reason and emotional awareness; a balanced, mature approach to life that values both logic and feeling.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is equally understood in both varieties due to the novel's canonical status. Slight preference for the full phrase in UK literary/academic contexts.
Connotations
Strong literary and cultural connotations, directly evoking Austen's work and themes of 19th-century manners, gender, and morality.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech; primarily found in literary discussion, cultural commentary, and as a stylistic allusion.
Grammar
How to Use “sense and sensibility” in a Sentence
[NP] demonstrates/embodies/strikes a balance between sense and sensibility.The [NP] of sense and sensibility is central to [NP].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sense and sensibility” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The novel *Sense and Sensibility* explores this duality.
- Her approach sensibly balanced sense and sensibility.
American English
- The film adaptation of *Sense and Sensibility* was acclaimed.
- He argued for a policy combining sense and sensibility.
adjective
British English
- A sense-and-sensibility approach to the problem was needed.
American English
- Her sense-and-sensibility perspective was valuable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; possibly in leadership/HR contexts discussing balanced decision-making: 'Effective management requires both sense and sensibility.'
Academic
Common in literary criticism, gender studies, and philosophy to discuss dualities of human nature and Austen's work.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation; used self-consciously or allusively by educated speakers.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sense and sensibility”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sense and sensibility”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sense and sensibility”
- Using it as a plural noun: *'She has great senses and sensibilities.' (Incorrect; treat as a fixed phrase).
- Misspelling as 'Sense and Sensitivity' (a common misremembering).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in everyday conversation. It is primarily a literary reference to Jane Austen's novel, used allusively in formal or academic contexts to discuss the balance of reason and emotion.
Yes, but it is a high-register, literary compliment. E.g., 'She handles crises with remarkable sense and sensibility,' implying she combines rational judgment with emotional intelligence.
Here, 'sensibility' is an older term meaning heightened emotional awareness, susceptibility to finer feelings, and taste. 'Sensitivity' is a broader, modern term for responsiveness to stimuli or emotions. The phrase uses the older, literary term.
When used as a compound modifier before a noun, it is often hyphenated (e.g., 'a sense-and-sensibility approach'). Otherwise, it is not (e.g., 'the theme of sense and sensibility').
The title of Jane Austen's novel (1811), often used idiomatically to refer to the balanced exercise of rational thought (sense) and emotional sensitivity (sensibility).
Sense and sensibility is usually literary, formal, academic in register.
Sense and sensibility: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsens ən ˌsensəˈbɪləti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsens ən ˌsensəˈbɪləti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Strike a balance] between sense and sensibility.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Jane Austen's two heroines: Elinor represents SENSE (logic), Marianne represents SENSIBILITY (emotion). Together, they form the title.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A BALANCE (between reason and emotion).
Practice
Quiz
What does the phrase 'sense and sensibility' primarily allude to?