Meaning & Definition of word "Sense"

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.