sensually

[ sen-shoo-uh-lee ]

adverb

1. in a carnal or fleshly way that is preoccupied with the gratification of the senses or physical appetites:

   In our sensually dominated society, the habit of acting out fantasy is becoming a cultural norm.

2. in an unchaste or immoral and unrestrained way:

   Today we are increasingly bombarded with sensually explicit images from the internet, television, movies, and print advertising.

3. in a way that arouses or excites the senses or physical appetites:

   This sensually calculated music is made to move people onto the dance floor—and beyond.

4. in a worldly, materialistic, or irreligious way:

   Those who think merely naturally and sensually do not allow their minds to be lifted up into spiritual light.

5. in a way that relates to the senses or physical sensation:

   Learning happens best when the demand on a learner's "working memory" meets the ability to sensually process the information through both channels—auditory and visual.

Other Words From

• hy·per·sen·su·al·ly adverb
• non·sen·su·al·ly adverb
• sub·sen·su·al·ly adverb
• trans·sen·su·al·ly adverb
• un·sen·su·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensually¹

sensual ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Outlook Hill also gave the work a final destination: a grass-and-stone amphitheater at the top with a symbol-rich and sensually expansive vista of the harbor and Lady Liberty.

From New York Times

With a wrapper around the hips to accentuate the movement, the Luba would gyrate sensually like they were invoking fertility gods.

From BBC

The sensually, sexually stimulating indulgences of one are about 180 degrees from the chaste, G-rated commitments of the other.

From Los Angeles Times

The beachy hit “Watermelon Sugar,” from his 2019 album “Fine Line,” was a winkingly euphemistic but sensually serious ode to giving female pleasure.

From New York Times

The sensually crafted “Stop-Zemlia” is a fine conduit to bring forth those visceral sense memories of teenage life.

From Los Angeles Times