sensible

[ sen-suh-buhl ]

adjective

1. having, using, or showing good sense or sound judgment:

   a sensible young woman.

   Synonyms: reasonable, rational, sagacious, intelligent

   Antonyms: stupid

2. cognizant; keenly aware (usually followed by of ):

   sensible of his fault.

   Synonyms: observant, understanding, conscious

3. significant in quantity, magnitude, etc.; considerable; appreciable:

   a sensible reduction in price.

4. capable of being perceived by the senses; material:

   the sensible universe.

   Synonyms: palpable, discernible, perceptible

5. capable of feeling or perceiving, as organs or parts of the body.
6. perceptible to the mind.
7. conscious:

   The patient was speechless but still sensible.

8. Archaic. sensitive.

sensible

/ ˈsɛnsɪbəl /

adjective

1. having or showing good sense or judgment

   a sensible decision

2. (of clothing) serviceable; practical

   sensible shoes

3. having the capacity for sensation; sensitive
4. capable of being apprehended by the senses
5. perceptible to the mind
6. sometimes foll by of having perception; aware

   sensible of your kindness

7. readily perceived; considerable

   a sensible difference

noun

1. Also calledsensible note a less common term for leading note

Derived Forms

• ˈsensibly, adverb
• ˈsensibleness, noun

Other Words From

• sensi·ble·ness noun
• sensi·bly adverb
• non·sensi·ble adjective
• non·sensi·ble·ness noun
• non·sensi·bly adverb
• over·sensi·ble adjective
• over·sensi·ble·ness noun
• over·sensi·bly adverb
• un·sensi·ble adjective
• un·sensi·ble·ness noun
• un·sensi·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensible¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin sēnsibilis; equivalent to sense + -ible

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensible¹

C14: from Old French, from Late Latin sēnsibilis, from Latin sentīre to sense

Synonym Study

See practical.

Example Sentences

“I am still willing to avert court action and have a sensible and amicable conversation with Newport City Council, but there has to be no messing around. They have to come and speak to me.”

From BBC

“I’m not sure whether it’s really possible to make any sensible predictions about the direction of this administration based on the staff picks,” another European diplomat told Politico.

From Salon

The Finance and Leasing Association, the trade body for motor finance providers, described the FCA's plan as a "sensible move".

From BBC

The majority of sensible observers, though sometimes not those fans who choose to view decisions through the prism of their own partisanship, accept referees will make mistakes under the severest pressure.

From BBC

Lineker described the new rules at the time as "all very sensible".

From BBC

Related Words

• astute
• down-to-earth
• intelligent
• judicious
• logical
• practical
• prudent
• rational
• sane
• shrewd
• sober
• wise