Sense

Definition

The term "sense" describes the ability to perceive or detect something using physical faculties, or a feeling, meaning, or awareness of something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɛns/
• Respelling: SENS

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɛns/
• Respelling: SENS

Etymology

The word "sense" originates from the Latin "sensus," meaning "perception" or "feeling," which derives from "sentire," meaning "to feel" or "to perceive." It entered the English language in the 14th century, initially referring to sensory faculties.

Derivatives

• Sensible (adjective)
• Sensitivity (noun)
• Sensory (adjective)
• Senseless (adjective)
• Sentient (adjective)

Synonyms

• Perception
• Awareness
• Feeling

Antonyms

• Ignorance
• Insensitivity
• None

Usage

The term "sense" is commonly used in contexts involving perception, meaning, or intuition. For example: "She has a keen sense of smell," or "The statement makes no sense to me."

Related Terms

• Perception: The process of becoming aware of something through the senses.
• Intuition: The ability to understand something instinctively.
• Feeling: An emotional or physical sensation.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A faculty for perceiving the environment: Refers to the physical abilities such as sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
  • Example: "Humans rely on their five basic senses to understand the world."
• A feeling or perception: Refers to an internal awareness or impression.
  • Example: "I had a sense that something was wrong."
• Meaning or interpretation: Refers to the significance or understanding of something.
  • Example: "The sentence does not make any sense."
• Logical or practical reasoning: Refers to sound judgment or common sense.
  • Example: "He has a good sense of what is fair."

Verb

• To detect or perceive: Refers to becoming aware of something through physical faculties.
  • Example: "The device can sense temperature changes."
• To understand or realize: Refers to intuitively grasping or recognizing something.
  • Example: "She could sense his hesitation."