sensitive

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/

adjective

  • 1quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences: the new method of protein detection was more sensitive than earlier ones spiders are sensitive to vibrations on their web
  • easily damaged, injured, or distressed by slight changes: the committee called for improved protection of wildlife in environmentally sensitive areas
  • (of photographic materials) prepared so as to respond rapidly to the action of light.
  • (of a market) unstable and liable to quick changes of price because of outside influences: the Japanese were successfully entering many of the most sensitive markets
  • 2having or displaying a quick and delicate appreciation of others' feelings: I pay tribute to the Minister for his sensitive handling of the bill
  • easily offended or upset: I suppose I shouldn’t be so sensitive
  • 3kept secret or with restrictions on disclosure to avoid endangering security: he was suspected of passing sensitive information to other countries

noun

  • a person who is believed to respond to paranormal influences.

Derivatives

sensitively

adverb

sensitiveness

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'sensory'): from Old French sensitif, -ive or medieval Latin sensitivus, formed irregularly from Latin sentire 'feel'. The current senses date from the early 19th century