sensitivity English · revision 15164

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1803}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ˌsen.sɪˈtɪv.ə.ti/, US /ˌsen.səˈtɪv.ə.t̬i/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[sensitive]] and [[-ity]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ The state or quality of being sensitive: 1803.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Delicacy of feeling, touchiness, is by 1851.^(Etymonline) The activity of the senses is from 1889.^(OED 1989) Of devices and tests that respond to small amounts or changes, it is from 1918,^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) and of a radio receiver's ability to pick up weak signals from 1928.^(OED 1989) ''Sensitivity training'', meant to increase awareness of feelings and motives, is attested by 1954.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1803 – being sensitive.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+ * 1851 – delicacy of feeling.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1918 – of instruments and tests.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1928 – of radio receivers.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1954 – sensitivity training.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # The quality or condition of being sensitive.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(physiology)'' The capacity to respond to a stimulus, drug or [[allergen]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A tendency to react strongly, especially to be easily offended, often in the plural.^(Collins 2023)

+ # The degree to which an instrument or receiver responds to an input [[signal]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[hyposensitivity]]

+ * [[photosensitivity]]

+ * [[multiple chemical sensitivity]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[sensitive]]

+ * [[sense]]

+ * [[sensibility]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}