Sensible or sensitive: what is the difference?

Sensible and sensitive are both useful English adjectives, but they describe quite different qualities. Dutch speakers also have to contend with sensibel, a lookalike that points towards the wrong English word.

Sensible means practical and wise

A sensible person makes good judgements: “Taking an umbrella was sensible.” It can also describe something suited to its purpose, such as sensible shoes. Calling someone sensible usually praises their practical judgement rather than their emotional nature.

Sensitive means easily affected

A sensitive person may notice or respond strongly to feelings, criticism or physical sensations. You can have sensitive skin, a sensitive topic or sensitive information. The word is not necessarily negative: someone who is sensitive to other people’s feelings may be thoughtful and perceptive.

Nederlandse uitleg

Kort gezegd: sensible = verstandig of praktisch. Sensitive = gevoelig. Het Nederlandse sensibel betekent eerder sensitive dan sensible.

Try it yourself

Which fits? “It was ___ of him to back up the files before updating the computer.” Because this praises a wise precaution, choose sensible.

Source: Cambridge Dictionary. Featured photograph by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash.