Etymologically
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sensitivity

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 17 October 2026 at 15:35. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: UK /ˌsen.sɪˈtɪv.ə.ti/, US /ˌsen.səˈtɪv.ə.t̬i/[1]

Etymology

It is formed from sensitive and -ity.[2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The state or quality of being sensitive: 1803.[2][4][3]

Semantic evolution

Delicacy of feeling, touchiness, is by 1851.[2] The activity of the senses is from 1889.[4] Of devices and tests that respond to small amounts or changes, it is from 1918,[4][2] and of a radio receiver's ability to pick up weak signals from 1928.[4] Sensitivity training, meant to increase awareness of feelings and motives, is attested by 1954.[4][2]

Timeline

  • 1803 – being sensitive.[4][2]
  • 1851 – delicacy of feeling.[2]
  • 1918 – of instruments and tests.[4]
  • 1928 – of radio receivers.[4]
  • 1954 – sensitivity training.[4][2]

Modern meaning

Noun

  1. The quality or condition of being sensitive.
  2. (physiology) The capacity to respond to a stimulus, drug or allergen.
  3. A tendency to react strongly, especially to be easily offended, often in the plural.
  4. The degree to which an instrument or receiver responds to an input signal.

Word family

  • hyposensitivity
  • photosensitivity
  • multiple chemical sensitivity

References

  1. ^ Jones, Daniel (2011), Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary, 18th ed., ed. Peter Roach, Jane Setter and John Esling, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press