sensibilities

Meanings

nounsensibilities pl (plural only)

pluralplural onlyCapabilities 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
obsoletepluralplural onlyFeelings of gratitude.
obsoletepluralplural onlyIntuitive reactions; instincts.

noun

pluralplural 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”).

From sensibility + -es (suffix forming pluralia tantum; and regular plural forms of nouns).

Cite this entry

APA

sensibilities. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/sensibilities

MLA

“sensibilities.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/sensibilities. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “sensibilities,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/sensibilities.