Sensibilities

/ˌsɛnsəˈbɪlɪtiz/ noun

Definition

The ability to feel and understand emotions and artistic or intellectual things; a person's emotional awareness or sensitivity.

Etymology

From Old French 'sensibilité,' derived from Latin 'sensibilis' (capable of feeling). The meaning evolved from physical sensation to emotional and intellectual sensitivity.

Kelly Says

The concept of 'sensibility' became especially important in 18th-century literature, where feeling deeply and being emotionally intelligent were celebrated as signs of being refined and morally good.

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