noun · neutral
sensitivity
UK/ˌsensɪˈtɪvɪti/US/ˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪti/sen·si·TIV·i·ty
the quality of being easily offended or affected; the degree to which a device or person reacts to small changes or stimuli
Examples
“Media outlets must show cultural sensitivity when reporting on minority groups.”
“The sensitivity of the instrument allows scientists to detect tiny amounts of gases.”
“Teachers should be aware of students' emotional sensitivity during exams.”
Band 8 sentence
“Policymakers must balance statistical evidence with cultural sensitivity to ensure that interventions are accepted by local communities.”
Collocations
- cultural sensitivity
- emotional sensitivity
- high sensitivity
Word family
Common mistakes
He has high sensitive.→He is highly sensitive.
We must show cultural sensitivity to them.→We must show cultural sensitivity towards them.
Say it for a higher band
5awareness→6responsiveness→7+sensitivity
Synonyms
awareness
responsiveness
Easily confused
awareness
“Campaigns increased public awareness of the issue but did not change people's sensitivity to it.”
Related words
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In -ity
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