sensitive

//ˈsɛnsɪtɪv//
B2Frequency Level 7Neutral
Visual representation of sensitive

Adjective

sensitiveCanonical form
more sensitiveComparative
most sensitiveSuperlative
1

Quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences; having acute physical or emotional awareness

Dogs have sensitive hearing and can detect sounds humans cannot hear.

2

Easily hurt, upset, or offended by the words or actions of others

She's very sensitive and gets upset easily when people criticize her.

3

Requiring careful handling or treatment because of being delicate, controversial, or potentially causing offense

This is a sensitive topic that we need to discuss carefully.

4

Responsive to or strongly affected by external stimuli, especially light, temperature, or touch

This plant is very sensitive to changes in temperature.

5

Kept secret or requiring security clearance; classified or confidential

These documents contain sensitive information and must not be shared.