sensibilities en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- [-ɾiz] (General-American)
- (Southern-England) audio
- /ˌsɛn(t)sɪˈbɪlɪtiːz/ (Received-Pronunciation)
- /ˌsɛn(t)səˈbɪlətiz/ (General-American)
Etymology
From sensibility + -es (suffix forming pluralia tantum; and regular plural forms of nouns).
Meanings
-
(plural, plural-only) Capabilities to have emotions; feelings.
Though she gave the impression of fineness she was in reality so determined that any sensibilities she possessed were held in the vice of her will.
1939, Ngaio Marsh, “Six Parts and Seven Actors”, in Overture to Death, New York, N.Y.: Jove Books, published May 1984, →ISBN, page 26:
-
(form-of, plural) plural of sensibility (“emotions or feelings arising from or relating to aesthetic or moral standards, especially those which are sensitive and thus likely to be hurt or offended; (obsolete) emotional sense or understanding of something; sign or token of appreciation or gratitude”).
form of sensibility
- (obsolete, plural, plural-only) Feelings of gratitude.
- (obsolete, plural, plural-only) Intuitive reactions; instincts.