sensible Hear it!

sensible Definition

sen·sible (sen′sə bəl)

adjective

  1. that can cause physical sensation; perceptible to the senses
  2. perceptible to the intellect
  3. easily perceived or noticed; marked; striking; appreciable
  4. having senses; capable of receiving sensation; sensitive
  5. having appreciation or understanding; emotionally or intellectually aware sensible of another's grief
  6. having or showing good sense or sound judgment; intelligent; reasonable; wise

Etymology: ME < MFr < L sensibilis < sensus, pp. of sentire, to feel, sense

sensible Related Forms

sen′·sibly adverb

sensible Synonyms

sensible

modif.

  1. Showing good sense

    reasonable, rational, prudent, practical; see judicious, rational 1, reasonable 1, 2, sane 2.

  2. Aware

    cognizant, conscious, alive to; see conscious 1.

  3. Perceivable

    perceptible, discernible, material; see appreciable, physical 1, tangible. See syn. study at conscious, physical, rational, tangible.

sensible Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • eminently: Most of these proposals are eminently sensible, without knowing the cost of some of them.
  • perfectly: Of course, we agree with that measure, it is perfectly sensible.
  • economically: It is not economically sensible to require firms to bear the expensive of providing them with the detailed protections suitable for private individuals.
  • entirely: Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions are entirely sensible and justified.

Infinitive complement

  • consult: If you have a history of DVT or embolism, it might be sensible to consult your doctor before traveling long distances.
  • invest: Phil was sensible enough to invest his earnings for the rainy day which inevitably comes to all actors.
  • avoid: This pub has a good bar menu but it is sensible to avoid displaying club colors.
  • try: So if traveling with the stream it's sensible to try and do so.
  • consider: But I am also wondering whether it could ever be sensible to consider SunRays for home.
  • discuss: On Ireland, I don't think it is very sensible to discuss Plan B at this stage.

Modifies a noun

  • precaution: However, with a few sensible precautions, people with epilepsy can enjoy all the benefits of swimming quite safely.
  • drinking: Who do you think are the best people to educate children about sensible drinking - parents, teachers, or doctors?
  • footwear: Please wear sensible footwear and remember to follow the Countryside Code.
  • shoe: Footwear Any sensible outdoor shoe may be worn with the kilt.
  • compromise: I hope the Lords can promote a sensible compromise over hunting.
  • eating: She realized the only way the extra pounds would ever come off - and stay off - was through sensible eating.

Used with adjective complement

  • seem: It seems sensible to do what you can to reduce these fees.
  • sound: He has proposed we do a scan every couple of years which sounds sensible.

Noun used with modifier

  • something: I cannot even remember what " Layer 4 " is supposed to be, so I won't replace it with something sensible.
  • anything: Or ever hearing anything sensible from the Association of British Drivers.