sensitive

Easily hurt, damaged, or made uncomfortable by touch or other things.

• This cream is for sensitive skin.
• My teeth are sensitive to cold drinks.
• Be gentle; that area is still sensitive.

How to use it: sensitive to something (My skin is sensitive to sunlight.)

Similar words: delicate, tender

Common phrases: sensitive skin, sensitive teeth, sensitive to heat

Understanding other people’s feelings and being careful not to hurt them.

• She is a sensitive listener.
• He was sensitive to her feelings after the argument.
• We need a sensitive approach when talking to children.

How to use it: sensitive to something (Our teacher is sensitive to the needs of shy students.)

Similar words: considerate, understanding, thoughtful

Opposites: insensitive, inconsiderate

Common phrases: sensitive to someone, sensitive approach, sensitive teacher

Needing careful handling because mistakes could cause serious problems.

• Keep this sensitive information private.
• The talks have reached a sensitive stage.
• Access to sensitive areas is strictly controlled.

Similar words: delicate

Common phrases: sensitive information, sensitive data, sensitive issue

Easily upset or hurt by what people say or do.

• He is a sensitive child.
• She felt sensitive about her mistakes.
• Try not to joke about it; he is very sensitive.

How to use it: sensitive about something (He is sensitive about his weight.); sensitive to something (She is very sensitive to criticism.)

Similar words: touchy, thin-skinned

Opposites: thick-skinned, insensitive

Common phrases: sensitive person, sensitive about something, overly sensitive

Likely to upset, offend, or hurt people when discussed.

• Religion can be a sensitive topic.
• She avoided sensitive questions about his family.
• They discussed the sensitive subject of divorce carefully.

Similar words: delicate, touchy

Common phrases: sensitive topic, sensitive subject, sensitive question