Meaning & Definition of word "Sense"

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    Sense

    /sɛns/

    noun:

    • 1. A faculty by which the body perceives an external stimulus; each of the systems in the body that interpret physical data.
      • Example: The five senses are sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell.
    • 2. A feeling or perception produced through the senses.
      • Example: She has a strong sense of smell and can tell when food is burning.
    • 3. A general awareness or understanding.
      • Example: He had a sense of the importance of the task at hand.
    • 4. A sane and reasonable attitude or judgment.
      • Example: It makes sense to leave early to avoid traffic.
    • 5. Meaning or significance.
      • Example: There seems to be a sense of urgency in her voice.

    verb:

    • 1. To perceive by one or more of the senses.
      • Example: I can sense that something is wrong.
    • 2. To become aware of or to detect.
      • Example: The device can sense temperature changes in the environment.
    • 3. To derive or infer a meaning.
      • Example: You can sense his frustration from his tone.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'sensus', meaning 'feeling, perception, sense'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    common sense:

    Sound judgment based on a simple perception of the situation.

    make sense:

    To be understandable or logical.

    lost in sense:

    To be confused or bewildered about a situation.

    in a sense:

    To some degree; to a certain extent.

    sense of humor:

    The ability to appreciate and express humor.

    Related Words

    sensation:

    A physical feeling or perception resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body.

    sensible:

    Chosen in accordance with wisdom or prudence; likely to be of benefit.

    nonsense:

    Spoken or written language that has no meaning or makes no sense.

    Slang Meanings of sense

    Meaning: To understand or comprehend.

    Example Sentence: Do you get the sense of what I'm saying?

    Meaning: To have a good perception of things.

    Example Sentence: He's got a good sense; he knows how to read people.