sensitive

• Qualifie une personne ou une chose qui détecte ou réagit rapidement à des changements, signaux ou influences minimes ; s'applique aussi à une personne facilement contrariée ou blessée.

Describes a person or thing that is quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences; also refers to a person who is easily upset or offended.

1. Easily affected or hurtB1formal

   Quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences; easily upset or offended.

   Sensible

   • She is very sensitive to criticism.
   • His skin is sensitive to sunlight.
   • The equipment is sensitive to temperature changes.

   Synonymesdelicatehypersensitiveimpressionableoversensitivereactiveresponsivesusceptiblethin-skinnedtouchyvulnerable

   Antonymescallousinsensitivethick-skinned

2. Requiring careful handlingB2formal

   Needing to be treated with care or discretion because it may cause offense or harm.

   délicat

   • This is a sensitive political issue.
   • The documents contain sensitive information.
   • We need to handle this matter in a sensitive way.

   Synonymesawkwardcontentiousdelicateproblematicsoreticklishtouchytricky

   Antonymesharmlessinnocuousinoffensivesafe

3. Understanding others' feelingsB1formal

   Aware of and able to understand the feelings of other people.

   Sensible aux sentiments d'autrui

   • He is a sensitive and caring person.
   • She gave a sensitive response to his problem.
   • A good teacher is sensitive to the needs of students.

   Synonymescompassionateempatheticintuitiveperceptivesympathetictactfulthoughtfulunderstanding

   Antonymescallousheartlessinsensitivetactlessunfeeling