Category:Sensibility

Sen`si*bil"i*ty, n.; pl. Sensibilities. Etym: [cf. F. sensibilité, Ll. sensibilitas.]

1. (physiol.)

Defn: the quality or state of being sensible, or capable of Sensation; capacity to feel or perceive.

2. The capacity of emotion or feeling, as distinguished from the Intellect and the will; peculiar susceptibility of impression, Pleasurable or painful; delicacy of feeling; quick emotion or Sympathy; as, sensibility to pleasure or pain; sensibility to shame Or praise; exquisite sensibility; -- often used in the plural. "sensibilities so fine!" Cowper. The true lawgiver ought to have a heart full of sensibility. Burke. His sensibilities seem rather to have been those of patriotism than Of wounded pride. Marshall.

3. Experience of sensation; actual feeling. This adds greatly to my sensibility. Burke.

4. That quality of an instrument which makes it indicate very slight Changes of condition; delicacy; as, the sensibility of a balance, or Of a thermometer.

Syn. -- taste; susceptibility; feeling. See taste.