/ˈsensətɪv ||; ˈsɛnsətɪv/adj
1 sensitive (to sth) showing that you are conscious of and able to understand people's feelings, problems, etc 能察觉和理解别人的感受、问题等的;近人情的;体贴的:
It wasn't very sensitive of you to keep mentioning her boyfriend. You know they've just split up. 你不断提到她的男朋友,真有点不知趣。你知道吗,他们刚分了手。
to be sensitive to sb's feelings/wishes 能理解某人的感受╱心愿
2 sensitive (about/to sth) easily upset, offended or annoyed, especially about a particular subject 神经过敏的,敏感的,易生气的(尤其在某个问题上):
She's still a bit sensitive about her divorce. 她对自己离婚一事仍有点敏感。
He's very sensitive to criticism. 他对批评非常在乎。
[OPP] for senses 1 and 2 insensitive 第1及2义的反义词皆为insensitive
3 (used about a subject, a situation, etc) needing to be dealt with carefully because it is likely to cause anger or trouble (指事情、情况等)须小心处理的(因可能会引起危险或麻烦):
This is a sensitive period in the negotiations between the two countries. 两国的谈判现正处于敏感阶段。
4 sensitive (to sth) easily hurt or damaged; painful, especially if touched 易受伤害的,易损坏的,疼痛的(尤指被碰触时):
a new cream for sensitive skin 一种医治敏感皮肤的新软膏
My teeth are very sensitive to hot or cold food. 我一吃热的或冷的食物就牙齿痛。
5 (used about a scientific instrument, a piece of equipment, etc) able to measure very small changes (指科学仪器、设备等)灵敏的
☞Look at the note at sensible. 参看sensible的注释。
➔sensitively adv
The investigation will need to be handled sensitively. 这个调查须要慎重处理。
➔sensitivity /ˌsensəˈtɪvəti ||; ˌsɛnsəˈtɪvətɪ/ noun [U]:
I think your comments showed a complete lack of sensitivity. 我认为你的意见显示出你一点也不体谅人。