Here are some synonyms of "sensitive" along with their detailed analyses:
1. Responsive
- Meaning: "Responsive" implies the ability to react quickly and appropriately to a stimulus. In the context of emotions or situations, it means being attuned to changes and ready to respond. For example, a responsive audience is one that shows immediate reactions to a performance, such as laughing, crying, or applauding. In a more personal sense, a responsive friend is someone who quickly understands your needs and acts accordingly.
- Example: The sensitive skin is responsive to even the slightest change in temperature. (Here, it shows that the skin reacts promptly to temperature variations, just as a sensitive person might react quickly to emotional or environmental stimuli.)
2. Reactive
- Meaning: Similar to "responsive," but "reactive" can sometimes have a more negative connotation. It means to have a tendency to over - react or respond strongly to a situation. A reactive person may act without much thought in response to something that affects them. However, it can also simply mean to have a normal response to a stimulus.
- Example: The sensitive material is reactive to light, so it needs to be stored in a dark place. (This indicates that the material has a significant response to light, much like a sensitive individual might have a strong reaction to a particular influence.)
3. Touchy
- Meaning: "Touchy" refers to a person who is easily offended or irritated. It implies a certain level of sensitivity where small things can set off a negative reaction. It's often used to describe someone's temperament and is more focused on emotional sensitivity.
- Example: He's a touchy fellow, getting upset over the slightest criticism. (Here, the word "touchy" emphasizes that he is overly sensitive to criticism, similar to how a sensitive person might be more affected by negative feedback.)
4. Tender
- Meaning: "Tender" can mean delicate or easily damaged, and when it comes to emotions, it implies a soft - hearted and sensitive nature. A tender - hearted person is sensitive to the feelings of others and may be more affected by sad or touching situations.
- Example: The sensitive child had a tender heart and was always moved by the misfortunes of others. (The use of "tender" here highlights the child's soft - hearted and sensitive quality, showing how they are affected by the misfortunes of others.)
5. Delicate
- Meaning: In the context of sensitivity, "delicate" means something that requires careful handling due to its fragility. It can refer to a person's emotional state as well, suggesting that they are easily affected or disrupted. For example, a delicate flower is one that can be damaged easily, and a delicate personality is one that is sensitive to external factors.
- Example: Her delicate nature made her sensitive to harsh words. (This shows that her fragile or delicate emotional state caused her to be sensitive to unkind remarks.)