insensible

comparative more insensible · superlative most insensible

1. Unable to be perceived by the senses.

   an insensible shift in emphasis

   2 more examples

   Two small and almost insensible pricks were found upon Cleopatra's arm.

   1650, Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia Epidemica: […], 2nd edition, London: […] A[braham] Miller, for Edw[ard] Dod and Nath[aniel] Ekins, […], →OCLC

   They fall away, / And languish with insensible decay.

   1697, Virgil, “(please specify the book number)”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC

   Synonyms: imperceptible, unperceivable, imperceivable, imperceptible, indiscernible, undetectable, undiscernible, undistinguishable · Antonyms: perceptible, sensible, conspicuous, detectable, discernable, noticeable, observable, perceivable

2. Incapable or deprived of physical sensation.

   2 more examples

   “[…] Captain Markam had been found lying half-insensible, gagged and bound, on the floor of the sitting-room, his hands and feet tightly pinioned, and a woollen comforter wound closely round his mouth and neck ; whilst Mrs. Markham's jewel-case, containing valuable jewellery and the secret plans of Port Arthur, had disappeared.[…]”

   1904–1905, Baroness Orczy [i.e., Emma Orczy], “The Fate of the Artemis”, in The Case of Miss Elliott, London: T[homas] Fisher Unwin, published 1905, →OCLC; republished as popular edition, London: Greening & Co., 1909, OCLC 11192831, quoted in The Case of Miss Elliott (ebook no. 2000141h.html), Australia: Project Gutenberg of Australia, February 2020

   The Leicester Daily Mercury reflected on how these concerns were the result of changing ways of getting around: "It might sound a bit crazy or just a little revolting that at Christmas works parties, some should drink themselves into a near-insensible state... This was not serious when they used public transport, but today more men and women use their own cars."

   2023 December 27, David Turner, “Silent lines...”, in RAIL, number 999, page 29

   Synonyms: anesthetic, insensate, insensitive, unsensitive · Antonyms: sensate, sensible

3. Unable to be understood; unintelligible.

   Synonyms: inscrutable, unexplainable, abstruse, Chinese, dense, enigmatic, fathomless, bottomless

4. Not sensible or reasonable; meaningless.

   If it make the indictment be insensible or uncertain, […]it shall be quashed.

   1736, Matthew Hale, Historia Placitorum Coronæ

   Synonyms: pointless, senseless

5. Incapable of mental feeling; indifferent.

   Lost in their loves, insensible of shame.

   1697, Virgil, “(please specify the book number)”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC

   1 more example

   In spite of her deep-rooted dislike, she could not be insensible to the compliment of such a man's affection[…]

   1813 January 27, [Jane Austen], Pride and Prejudice: […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), London: […] [George Sidney] for T[homas] Egerton, […], →OCLC

   Synonyms: insouciant, unconcerned, adiaphroistic, apathetic, apathistical, blasé, blithe, deaf

6. Incapable of emotional feeling; callous; apathetic.

   Synonyms: emotionless, insensitive, alexithymic, apathistical, clinical, dull, phlegmatic, cold-blooded