sensitiveness: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, somewhat dated; more common in older or literary texts. The term 'sensitivity' is overwhelmingly preferred in modern usage across most registers.
Quick answer
What does “sensitiveness” mean?
The quality or state of being sensitive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or state of being sensitive; capacity for or susceptibility to sensation, emotion, or influence.
Can refer to heightened emotional responsiveness, acute physical perception (e.g., to touch, light, sound), or a tendency to be easily offended or upset. In technical contexts, it denotes the degree of responsiveness of a system or instrument.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major systematic difference. Both varieties overwhelmingly prefer 'sensitivity'. 'Sensitiveness' is archaic/formal in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, using 'sensitiveness' may sound old-fashioned, literary, or deliberately stylistic.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora. Appears less than 1% as often as 'sensitivity'.
Grammar
How to Use “sensitiveness” in a Sentence
sensitiveness to [noun] (e.g., to light, to criticism)sensitiveness of [noun] (e.g., of the instrument, of his nature)sensitiveness about [noun] (e.g., about her appearance)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sensitiveness” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'sensitiveness' is a noun. The related verb is 'sensitise'.
- The training aimed to sensitise staff to cultural differences.
American English
- N/A - 'sensitiveness' is a noun. The related verb is 'sensitize'.
- The campaign sought to sensitize the public to environmental issues.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'sensitiveness' is a noun. The related adverb is 'sensitively'.
- He handled the situation very sensitively.
American English
- N/A - 'sensitiveness' is a noun. The related adverb is 'sensitively'.
- The therapist listened sensitively to her concerns.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'sensitiveness' is a noun. The related adjective is 'sensitive'.
- She has a very sensitive disposition.
American English
- N/A - 'sensitiveness' is a noun. The related adjective is 'sensitive'.
- The equipment is sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. 'Sensitivity' is used for market sensitivity, price sensitivity, etc.
Academic
Rare. 'Sensitivity' is the standard term in scientific writing (e.g., sensitivity analysis, statistical sensitivity).
Everyday
Extremely rare. 'Sensitivity' or phrases like 'being sensitive' are used.
Technical
Largely obsolete. 'Sensitivity' is the universal term for measurable responsiveness in engineering, medicine, and science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sensitiveness”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sensitiveness”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sensitiveness”
- Using 'sensitiveness' in a contemporary context where 'sensitivity' is expected (e.g., 'the sensitiveness of the test' is incorrect).
- Overusing the word due to direct translation from languages where the cognate is more common.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a historically valid noun form. However, it has been almost entirely superseded by 'sensitivity' in modern usage and is now considered archaic or overly formal.
They are synonyms. The key difference is frequency and register. 'Sensitivity' is the standard, neutral, and modern term used in all contexts. 'Sensitiveness' is rare, formal, and can sound old-fashioned or literary.
No. You should always use 'sensitivity'. Using 'sensitiveness' may be marked as an error in word choice or as overly stylized for an academic text.
Dictionaries are descriptive and record historical and extant words. Its inclusion confirms it exists but does not indicate it is common or recommended for current use. The usage note will typically indicate its archaic status.
The quality or state of being sensitive.
Sensitiveness is usually formal, somewhat dated; more common in older or literary texts. the term 'sensitivity' is overwhelmingly preferred in modern usage across most registers. in register.
Sensitiveness: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsen.sɪ.tɪv.nəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsen.sə.t̬ɪv.nəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specifically for 'sensitiveness'; the concept is covered by idioms using 'sensitive', e.g., 'thin-skinned', 'touch a raw nerve']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sensitiveness' as the full, formal 'state of being sensitive', ending in '-ness' like 'kindness' or 'darkness'. If you remember that modern English prefers the shorter '-ity' ending for this concept (as in 'sensitivity', 'activity'), you'll know 'sensitiveness' is the older, less common form.
Conceptual Metaphor
SENSITIVENESS IS A RECEIVER/AERIAL (picking up subtle signals); SENSITIVENESS IS A RAW SURFACE/WOUND (easily hurt or irritated).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'sensitiveness' in a way that would be considered most appropriate or natural in modern English?