sensitive

sensible, fragile

Qui souffre, s’abîme ou ressent une gêne facilement au contact de quelque chose ou sous d’autres effets.

En anglais simple : 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.

Comment l'utiliser : sensitive to something (My skin is sensitive to sunlight.)

Synonymes : delicate, tender

Expressions courantes : sensitive skin, sensitive teeth, sensitive to heat

attentionné, sensible

Qui comprend les sentiments des autres et veille à ne pas les blesser.

En anglais simple : 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.

Comment l'utiliser : sensitive to something (Our teacher is sensitive to the needs of shy students.)

Synonymes : considerate, understanding, thoughtful

Contraires : insensitive, inconsiderate

Expressions courantes : sensitive to someone, sensitive approach, sensitive teacher

sensible, délicat

Qui doit être traité avec précaution, car une erreur peut avoir des conséquences graves.

En anglais simple : 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.

Synonymes : delicate

Expressions courantes : sensitive information, sensitive data, sensitive issue

susceptible, sensible

Qui se sent facilement blessé ou contrarié par les paroles ou les actes des autres.

En anglais simple : 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.

Comment l'utiliser : sensitive about something (He is sensitive about his weight.); sensitive to something (She is very sensitive to criticism.)

Synonymes : touchy, thin-skinned

Contraires : thick-skinned, insensitive

Expressions courantes : sensitive person, sensitive about something, overly sensitive

délicat, sensible

Qui risque de blesser, de choquer ou de contrarier les gens quand on en parle.

En anglais simple : 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.

Synonymes : delicate, touchy

Expressions courantes : sensitive topic, sensitive subject, sensitive question